Staff at Epsom Hospital are being roundly praise for their "exceptional" efforts on the frontlines against the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus as they shared experiences managing the impact of the disease.

On Wednesday, Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles lauded staff at the hospital as he described their efforts and bravery in tackling the infectious virus.

"I could not be prouder of the whole team and am immensely grateful for their unwavering commitment.

"Our staff are going above and beyond to protect and care for our patients, keep services running and reduce the risk to the public, fellow colleagues and their loved ones," Elkeles said in a statement sent to the Comet on Wednesday.

Surrey Comet: Image: Naomi Stuart via Twitter Image: Naomi Stuart via Twitter

The hospital chief went onto describe the extraordinary steps taken by teams at the hospital as "nothing short of exceptional" as he alluded to the courage of nurses, doctors and support staff tackling the spread of Covid-19 in the area at the hospital.

"This is an unprecedented situation, and the way in which our different teams have pulled together to respond to COVID-19 is nothing short of exceptional.

"It’s often said that, in times of crisis, those working for the NHS and in emergency services run toward the danger rather than away from it, and that’s certainly true in this case.

"Our staff working in wards and departments, as well as those teams working behind the scenes, are facing this incredibly difficult situation with courage, camaraderie and determination," he said.

One of those at Epsom Hospital fighting the spread of Covid-19 is Naomi Stuart, a respiratory clinical matron.

In a tweet that won much online support, she celebrated the efforts of her team on the Gloucester respiratory ward at the hospital:

"I could not be prouder of the Gloucester and Critical Care Unit teams on third floor at Epsom hospital.

"Also all those coming in from Multi-Disciplinary Teams. New challenges and different ways of working - but everyone is doing amazingly," Stuart said.

Surrey Comet: Image: Naomi Stuart via TwitterImage: Naomi Stuart via Twitter

Another staff member who took to Twitter was Director of Midwifery and Gynaecology Nursing at Epsom and St Helier, Marion Louki:

"In these challenging times," she said "the spirit of human kindness shines through.

"Our maternity team @epsom_sthelier decided to say a little thank you to their hard working colleagues across the Trust in pressured areas.

"Many of the team donated and helped. I am in awe frankly."

On Wednesday, Elkeles revealed that staff at the hospital had been bolstered by an outpouring of support from the community for their response to the Covid-19 crisis.

"We have received some very touching messages of support for our staff, as well as some very generous donations and discount offers – these gestures are greatly appreciated by our teams and are a great boost to morale in this busy and difficult time.

"In fact, I received an email from our Louise, our Deputy Head of Nursing in A&E this morning, that said: ‘Staff feel so valued. We know we have a hard few months ahead of us, but we are ready.'"