FROM catering and cleaning teams to laboratory technicians and frontline health workers, NHS staff in Oxfordshire have stepped up to the unprecedented challenge of coronavirus.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Dr Bruno Holthof said he is 'extremely proud' of all 12,000 staff across the John Radcliffe,Churchill, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and Banbury’s Horton General, for their 'awe-inspiring' response to the pandemic.

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He said: "I have been overwhelmed by both the professionalism and hard work of all our staff as they adapted to the demands of dealing with a global pandemic.

Oxford Mail:

OUH chief executive Dr Bruno Holthof with microbiology staff

"My most heartfelt thanks go to each and every one of you, from the staff members on the frontline to those ‘behind the scenes’. You are all vital to the OUH family."

The trust has been highlighting the work of individuals and teams throughout the pandemic. Among those singled out for praise was Ariel Lanada, the divisional educational lead for the neurosciences, orthopaedics, trauma, specialist surgery, children’s and neonates division.

Oxford Mail:

Ariel Lanada

The trust said: “His response and attitude over the last few weeks has been simply phenomenal.

"As a leader of the Filipino community in Oxford, Ariel has also been providing support and helping to hold the community together.”

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It added Mr Lanada had ‘pushed the boundaries of his role’ to ensure that all our hospital workers were receiving the high standard of personal protective equipment (PPE) training they needed.

Oxford Mail:

Douglas Graham

There supporting hospital staff at every stage over the past 12 weeks has been Oxford Hospitals Charity and its army of volunteers.

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Chief executive Douglas Graham said: “From ensuring those working round the clock have access to a decent meal to providing Respite Rooms to help with wellbeing and mental health, we have been right by the side of our hospital colleagues every step of the way."

He added the charity has also been there to help patients from providing specialist equipment to enables remote monitoring to disposable toys for young patients and projects to help those in hospital 'feel more connected' with their families.