A new video tells the incredible stories of staff working at Croydon University Hospital over the past year.

The 4,000-strong team were stretched to their limits as the South London hospital treated more than 2,500 coronavirus patients and became one of the worst-hit hospitals in the capital.

The 16 minute film is an insight into what those 12 months were like from staff on the ground.

The start of the film captures the sense of fear at the start of the pandemic as staff grappled with an influx of patients with the new virus.

Ward manager, Nichole Beason, said at the start of the pandemic staff were scared and had to learn new skills every day.

Consultant nurse and deputy director of infection control, Juliana Kotey, said sometimes there were no answers to the questions from staff.

And deputy director of estates and facilities, James Tomlinson, said increasing mortuary spaces at the hospital from 200 to 500 was incredibly difficult.

“Having members of staff, we are talking about guys straight off a building site, some of them had been plumbers or building flats, to come into working here when they’re asked to go into an ITU, the fear in their eyes was unreal.

“It plays on you personally, it is really difficult.”

While critical care nurse Chloe Kerwood laid bare just how tough it got in the department.

“In one instance I was in recovery and we had four patients die pretty instantly of Covid after being on ventilators. Although I am trained and can control it there was nothing I could do, they died very, very fast,” she said.

“Throughout the pandemic really there were no visitors so these patients were dying with only strangers to hold their hands.”

Staff interviewed all say they are proud to be part of the team in Croydon as they look towards a brighter future.

Chief executive of the health trust, Matthew Kershaw, said: “We hope that this film allows people to develop a deeper understanding of the pressure that the

NHS has faced over the past 12 months and the ability of the health service to adapt and save lives, despite the insurmountable challenges.”

You can see the full video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWjranbn8Ag