An NHS nurse put his hand on his heart in thanks to colleagues as he finally left hospital after a seven-week battle with Covid-19.

Orlando Fulgencio was wheeled out to huge cheers and applause from staff who lined the corridors to celebrate his “remarkable recovery”.

The frailty unit nurse raised his arms in appreciation as dozens of medical workers turned out to wish him well in his continued recuperation.

Mr Fulgencio, who works at Eastbourne District General Hospital (DGH) in East Sussex, will carry on his recovery from coronavirus at home.

After contracting the disease he had to spend 32 days in critical care before being transferred to another ward.

Speaking after he left critical care last month, Mr Fulgencio said: “I would like to thank the doctors and nurses and everyone who has helped look after me in hospital, especially the critical care team.”

Critical care matron Philippa Hartland said: “He has had a tough battle and made a remarkable recovery. Seeing every patient recover from this virus is special but it is even more special when it is one of our own nurses.”

Since leaving critical care on May 21 Mr Fulgencio has been recovering on Jevington Ward at the DGH, where he used to work.