A TEAM of retired critical care nurses have returned to a hospital trust to help in the fight against Covid-19.

The East Suffolk and North Essex trust, which runs Colchester Hospital, has set up the Family Liaison Service to keep families updated about loved ones being treated for the virus.

The former staff all wanted to do something to help during the pandemic but were unable to return to the wards due to their health or other reasons.

They are instead keeping families informed of daily progress, relaying messages, answering questions and arranging translation services where necessary.

The service runs seven days a week.

Elsje Rossouw, critical care unit matron at Colchester Hospital, said: “We currently have two nurses who have worked in critical care but cannot fulfil clinical duties at the moment working in our service, which is much appreciated by the families of our patients.

“It has been really great colleagues with critical care experience are filling the roles, as they can use their knowledge to explain to the family what is happening in more detail.

“We are grateful to them and pleased we are able to offer this service to help keep families up-to-date at what is a difficult time.”