Soldiers join Covid-19 relief efforts at West Sussex hospitals
A seven-strong team are working as porters
Seven soldiers have joined the fight against Covid-19 by working at hospitals in West Sussex.
The team, from the 12th and 16th Regiment Royal Artillery in Emsworth, will be based at the Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust for the next six weeks.
Normally specialising in air defence and protection from airborne threats, the team will now be helping portering teams at sites including St Richard's Hospital in Chichester and Worthing Hospital.
Sergeant Bobby Wright from the 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, Emsworth said:
“We arrived last Wednesday and will be helping the portering team, assisting with anything from transporting patients to moving heavy medical equipment.
“Normally, at this time in the morning, I would be providing training for the team so they are ready to deploy on various operations. We’re very happy to be here. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind since we arrived.”
Julie Thomas, Head of Nursing at the Western Sussex Hospitals trust, said:
"It’s wonderful to have the army supporting us with various aspects of essential patient care duties over the next few weeks.
"They are extremely welcome and will really lift morale amongst our staff, who are working under such pressure at this time."