Tributes to healthcare workers have been flooding in this week to commend those working on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic in Lewisham, Greenwich and nationwide.

A number of discounts and gifts have been sent in for the "fantastic" NHS workers fighting the virus in our hospitals and beyond, whilst the public are also being urged to do their bit to reduce the spread by staying inside.

One picture on social media has captured the imagination of the public, a shot of a defiant-looking frontline team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital just before they entered the Covid-19 'isolation zone.'

Annie Anderson, who shared the photo, said she was "so lucky to be part of such an amazing team" and that whilst they didn't know what the next few months will bring, "we know we are the best people for the job."

She told the News Shopper that the team at both QE and Lewisham Hospital's Critical Care are "working around the clock to ensure that we can continue to give first class care to all our patients."

Ms Anderson also begged members of the public to help them do this by following the government advice, making your parents stay at home, staying away from the pub and washing your hands.

This advice has been backed up by a mini-campaign from doctors, nurses, porters and cleaners at University Hospital Lewisham, many of whom are now staying at their hospital or nearby to avoid potentially passing on the virus.

Photos, shared by Heidi Alexander, the deputy mayor of London for transport, showed NHS workers holding up signs stating "I stayed at work for you. Please stay at home for me!"

News Shopper:

People have taken to social media to thank NHS staff whose importance has been further highlighted amid the ongoing crisis.

Greenwich Council leader Danny Thorpe offered a "huge huge thanks to every single person at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust who is working in the most challenging circumstance," whilst Wembley Stadium has been lit up with the message 'Thank You NHS'.

An coronavirus response operational team was set up by the trust in early March, whilst other strategists have been working in the emergency departments to clear health pathways for patients.

News Shopper:

 

 

Despite the widespread appreciation, some NHS workers have returned from long shifts to find supermarkets empty.

In response, Marks & Spencers had made the first hour of trading today, and on Mondays and Thursdays, exclusively for the eldery, vulnerable and NHS and emergency workers.

A number of other shops are also now offering special deals, including 50% off food, free hot drinks and free pizza (see below).

News Shopper:

In response to the messages, Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust said: "Words can't really express how proud we are of our staff working through the current challenging circumstances. We'll say it again - thank you all."