Hospital staff who stayed in touch with the wife and child of a man who passed away from Covid-19 have won the 2020 Hospital Hero Award.

Melanie Hales and Sharon Kaur, known as the Skype Angels, went above and beyond to ensure patients at Medway Maritime Hospital could stay in contact with loved ones if they couldn't visit in person.

KentOnline and the Medway NHS Foundation Trust teamed up last month to launch the award which saw nominations from readers and patients across the Towns.

The award recognises the incredible work carried out over the year by nurses, doctors, porters and all other staff members at the hospital.

The winners of the award were chosen by the Medway Messenger team and presented by Trust chief executive James Devine.

Melanie said: "We'd like to thank the Medway Messenger readers for this award.

"We are absolutely thrilled to get this award. We're overwhelmed and didn't expect it at all.

"We set up the Skype Angels video calls to help our patients and help their loved ones so they could have contact with them.

"Hopefully we made a massive difference to a lot of their lives."

The awards received more than 20 nominations from staff members across several departments within the hospital from volunteers, nurses, intensive care specialists, midwives, consultants and the whole housekeeping team.

Messenger editor Matt Ramsden said: "In a year when literally everyone in the hospital has gone above and beyond, it's been incredibly difficult choosing who stands out most.

"Described as "literally a lifeline", Melanie and Sharon have spoken to so many bereaved and anxious relatives waiting for news.

"And they've helped people get those precious final moments with their loved ones.

"But it's also what has come after - the follow up to see how those left behind which has really seen them go the extra mile.

"Just because someone is not in the hospital any more, does not mean the people left behind are forgotten - that's when compassion and care matters as much if not more.

"It's a pleasure to award the Hospital Hero to the Skype Angels. Thank you for everything that you do."

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