IN our darkest times they were on the front-line against the pandemic protecting us.

So there was no question that the teams at St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust should be recognised for their incredible efforts during the pandemic.

Ann Marr, chief executive of Whiston, St Helens and Newton hospitals, took to the stage with senior team members to collect the Emergency Heroes honour, sponsored by Accord Wills.

Not surprisingly, they received an incredible ovation as the town offered thanks for the way NHS medics and support staff battled through the harshest times of the Covid-19 crisis. Speaking to awards host Fraser Dainton on stage, Ann said: “To serve the NHS and our local community is a great honour, and I have always admired and respected the amazing skills and talents of my colleagues as they save lives, take away pain, and provide comfort in the darkest moments.

“And then the pandemic came, and staff were also faced with putting themselves and their families at risk, in order to care for our patients.”

St Helens Star: Karen Bailey, Sister ED Dr Noah Moran, Consultant ITU Dr Paul Stockton, Consultant Respiratory, Saran Williams, of Accord Wills; and Ann Marr OBE Chief Executive

Karen Bailey, Sister ED Dr Noah Moran, Consultant ITU Dr Paul Stockton, Consultant Respiratory, Sarah Williams, of Accord Wills; and Ann Marr OBE Chief Executive of STHK

The team accepted the award on behalf of all the hospital trust’s family.

Ann added: “In all the acts of selflessness, courage, and compassion that we saw from our staff as they battled the pandemic, they showed that they are all real life heroes.

“It is on behalf of every member of our STHK family, that we gratefully accept this award.”