Frontline staff at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals have been awarded for their extraordinary contributions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Epsom-St Helier Trust has honoured their healthcare heroes with bespoke medals designed and minted by a medal manufacturer by appointment to the Queen.

As part of a trust-wide recognition programme, every member of staff who has worked for the trust during the pandemic, has been presented with a medal and personalised certificate.

A series of virtual ceremonies have been held to celebrate staff achievements and to thank them for their contribution.

Your Local Guardian: Epsom-St Helier thank staff Epsom-St Helier thank staff

The ceremonies also featured a one minute silence to commemorate their collective losses.

Reflecting on the awards, Chief Executive, Daniel Elkeles said: “The last year has been incredibly difficult for the nation as a whole, and those working in health and social care have given their absolute all to fight Covid-19.

"I’m hugely proud of every member of staff at Epsom and St Helier hospitals, Sutton Health and Care, and Surrey Downs Health and Care, who have made outstanding contributions to the national efforts to overcome coronavirus.

Your Local Guardian: Epsom-St Helier award staff Epsom-St Helier award staff

"And it really has taken the dedication and commitment of all of our teams – from those working in our ITU departments, to our Estates Teams who kept vital oxygen supplies running for patients, to the support teams working behind the scenes to keep our services running as smoothly as possible, this year has truly needed ‘all hands on deck’.

“We’ll never truly be able to fully show our profound appreciation to our staff, but we hope these awards have gone some way in saying thank you.

"Each ceremony has been a touching experience, as our staff stepped back and reflected on challenges and losses they have faced, as well as the successes of the last year.

"They are all heroes to me.”

Your Local Guardian: Epsom-St Helier thank staff Epsom-St Helier thank staff

Gillian Norton, Chairman, commented: “It has been an honour to award all of our staff with a medal and certificate to thank them for all they’ve done over the last year.

"A small gesture perhaps – but entirely heartfelt.

"I’m proud of everyone for all they’ve done, for getting up and coming into work every day despite knowing how difficult it might be, and for always putting our patients at the centre of everything they do.”