AN NHS nurse who contracted coronavirus and had to go into intensive care has paid tribute to the colleagues who 'saved her life.'

Millie Magadlela, who works at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton, fell seriously ill after displaying COVID-19 symptoms around three weeks ago.

The nurse, who works in the surgical decision unit at the site, said she returned from a shift feeling tired and lethargic, and with a high temperature.

Deciding to self-isolate at home along with husband Mongezi Spencer, the mother of two described the worsening of her symptoms - including painful aches, cramp and abdominal pain - as 'awful.'

She said: "I was so tired and lacking in energy that I couldn’t even wash myself for two days. I was hot and cold, with blankets on top of me. I felt awful.”

The Northern Echo: DECISION: The University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

After becoming increasingly concerned, she called 111 and an ambulance took her to the hospital where she works - following checks she was eventually moved onto intensive care.

From there Ms Magadlela was put on a ventilator for three days, while staff worked round-the-clock to keep her alive.

But after regaining consciousness, she was transferred back onto the general ward where she was greeted by colleagues clapping, showing their support.

She explained the first thing she did after regaining consciousness was sending a message to her husband and two sons to say she was going to be okay.

Paying tributes to her colleagues, she said: “I can’t say in words how it felt to have all of the staff there clapping and showing their support and love.

“These people all saved my life. I am here now only because of them. I felt so loved and cared for by everyone.

"And that includes all staff across the organisation who treated me."

'It's given staff a huge morale boost'

Stephanie Gale and Tracey Oldfield, clinical co-ordinators in critical care at North Tees Hospital, said: “Staff were overjoyed to see Millie make a recovery and become our first patient to be discharged from the unit after being on a ventilator.

“It has given staff a huge morale boost at such an important time.

“Staff are working tirelessly to do everything they can for every patient they treat – not just in the critical care unit but across the organisation.

“Thank you for everything they are doing as well as to the public for following the advice and staying at home where they are safe.”