Senior police officer returns to work after 'brush with death' in Covid battle
A senior police officer who spent nearly two weeks in intensive care fighting coronavirus has returned to work.
Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby was admitted to Worcestershire Royal Hospital on March 29 after showing symptoms of Covid-19.
Days later, the father-of-three was placed on a ventilator in intensive care as he was unable to breathe for himself and the oxygen levels in his blood had plummeted.
He spent around a fortnight in intensive care at the hospital, most of the time heavily sedated, as doctors and nurses kept him alive while his body fought back against the virus on a ventilator after being admitted on March 29.
But on April 21, he was able to ring the hospital ward bell in front of delighted NHS staff, as he was discharged to continue his recovery back home with his loved ones.
Now Chief Supt Dolby revealed on Twitter on Monday he is returning to work after months off with the virus and then time off due to mental health issues.
He said: "It's Blue Monday, thought to be the most depressing day of the year.
"I am excitedly returning to work today after months off following my brush with death through Covid and its later traumatic effects upon my mental health.
"West Midlands Police have been just brilliantly supportive at all levels!"
Chief Supt Dolby has been on the force for more than two decades and served as a Detective Chief Inspector based in Dudley for two years until 2016, when he became temporary superintendent.
He was appointed Head of Criminal Justice Services in February last year.
