Armed forces pull out of Chesterfield Royal Hospital after answering Covid crisis call

The hospital was caring for a high of 193 coronavirus patients on January 25 this year, and military personnel played a key role in supporting NHS staff at a time of ‘unprecedented pressure’.

With Covid numbers having since fallen to around half that level, they are moving on, with the trust expressing its gratitude for their effort and that of everyone who pulled together during its hour of need.

Two more new Covid testing centres to open in Derbyshire

The trust said members of the armed forces had been working on wards and in critical care areas, where they had helped hospital employees on the frontline of the battle against coronavirus with a range of clinical and support service tasks.

With pressure on the hospital having reduced, the military team has moved on but not before being given a special send-off at the end of last week.

Those who had helped out were presented with a letter, a commemorative badge and a personal certificate of appreciation from the staff they had assisted.

'Roadmap' out of lockdown: when can you meet your family again?

The hospital’s chairwoman, Dr Helen Phillips, said: “We wanted to say thank you to the 13 military personnel who joined the Royal at a time of great challenge. We are incredibly fortunate to have had their support and commitment.

"Our staff have truly appreciated their help and all of them became part of #TeamCRH incredibly quickly. They have undoubtedly made a tremendous difference to both our patients and colleagues across the trust.”

Sergeant Lee Newham, who led a team of six armed forces medics assigned to help out at the Royal, returned the compliments in a moving letter to their erstwhile NHS colleagues.

Matt Hancock says public must ‘follow the rules’ to ensure England exits lockdown as planned

“Although we have only been with you for a short time, I want to say to you all from me and my team I am proud to have stood on this frontline alongside each one of you,” he wrote.

"You are all ‘true warriors in blue’. Your grit and determination are inspiring, your skills are second to none, you are the team keeping our nation going and I really do stand up and salute each member of the trust.”