AS our brave NHS heroes try to halt the coronavirus, people across the county are helping in any way they can. Jody Doherty-Cove reports.

Nearly £6,000 has been donated to frontline health workers who are dealing with the biggest public health crisis in 100 years.

They are battling to save lives as the coronavirus outbreak takes its toll across the country.

It is certainly proving to be a tough time for all but on the positive side communities have rallied together and the support for NHS staff has been absolutely remarkable.

To show their appreciation, people have been doing all they can to support those at the frontline of the battle against Covid-19.

Dr Rob Galloway, who works in the A&E department at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, was quick to voice his appreciation.

He said: “Dear British Public, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“We are doing everything we can (to combat the coronavirus).”

The frontline NHS worker shared a poster on the doors to the hospital’s “staffing battle room”.

It reads: “Those who save the life of one, save the world entire”.

He added: “It’s our duty to provide the staffing for our hospital to function as well as can so we can battle corona.”

On Thursday, applause could be heard as residents joined in with a national display of appreciation for healthcare workers.

Household members across Brighton and Hove gathered at their windows, on balconies and front door steps at 8pm to clap and cheer on the nurses, doctors and carers for all their hard work amid the coronavirus crisis.

Shouted

Residents from Preston Park to Brighton Marina shouted and whistled into the night to show support for the Clap For Carers campaign. It proved to be a resounding success.

Now, residents are putting their money where there mouth is, donating nearly £6,000 to the Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Charity with more set to flow into the coffers and top up the amount raised.

The money will be making sure the trust has the resources and support they need to conquer coronavirus while remaining healthy, energised and well-rested.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/campaign/helpbsuh.

The charity said: “Our teams are working around the clock to make sure we’re ready for what may come in regards to coronavirus.

“They are preparing, ensuring patients receive the care they need.

“They will be stretched. They will be tested. They will be magnificent.

“They have years of medical, clinical and management training that they will utilise to look after our mums, grandfathers, neighbours, friends, and our families.”

A team of staff and students have responded to a call for help to alleviate local NHS pressures during the covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Rhys Morgan, lecturer in biomedical science at the University of Sussex, received a phenomenal response after sharing a call for help for colleagues at the NHS diagnostics labs at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Responded

There were16 staff and students who responded as willing to act as “bank staff”

They will be helping the labs to process their normal diagnostic workload under staff shortages or while other staff are reallocated to Covid-19 testing.

People have been keeping the staff in top condition by ordering food to the hospital.

Workers in the Emergency Ambulatory Care Unit were gifted premium water bottles from One Green Bottle.

And delivery companies such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Dominos have been providing food to midwives and doctors in Brighton’s maternity team.