FLAGS were raised at hospitals to show thanks to healthcare staff and the community during the coronavirus crisis.

The flags flew yesterday at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, a symbol of gratitude to staff working through the pandemic, as well as the public for staying at home and social distancing.

Director of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust Sarah Tasker said: “After eight weeks of lockdown and exceptional circumstances for staff, patients and the wider public, we thought it was time to say thank you.

“The ‘thank you’ message acknowledges all the work, the generosity and the sacrifice that has been made so far by staff and the wider community.”

Dr George Findlay, managing director and chief medical officer for the trust said: “This is just a simple way for us to say thanks to everyone in our community during exceptionally difficult times.

“Our staff are working incredibly hard at the moment and the support we’ve received from the public has been a great boost for them.”