STAFF at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital were among tens of thousands of key workers across the UK to observe a minute's silence in tribute to their fallen colleagues.

More than 100 NHS and care staff have died with coronavirus, as have many transport and other key workers.

Short services of remembrance were observed across the country on Tuesday, April 28.

During the service at the Bournemouth hospital, where NHS staff have been working around the clock caring for Covid-19 patients, staff nurse Cathy Hague delivered a reading.

Then colleagues, supporters and wellwishers simply bowed their heads in silence as the rain fell, before the NHS staff returned to the frontline fight against Covid-19.

Afterwards, Cathy said: "It is very easy to get caught up in what we are doing while it is so busy but taking time out to show our respect to those who have passed away is really important.

"It was fantastic to be able to stand alongside my colleagues and pay tribute in this way and I felt privileged to be part of this."

Chief Nursing Officer Ruth May and National Medical Director Professor Stephen Powis led NHS staff in marking the silence at 11am.

Speaking ahead of the services, Mrs May said “Every death is a tragedy but we feel the loss of fellow health and care workers particularly keenly.

“I want people across the NHS and the whole country to come together and remember health and care workers who have lost their lives to this cruel virus.”

Meanwhile, Professor Powis said: "“This is an opportunity for us all to pay tribute to doctors, nurses, cleaners and many other NHS staff who have died in this pandemic.

“I hope the whole nation will fall silent in tribute and show how much their contribution is remembered and appreciated.”