SCORES of hospital staff and other key workers took part in the Clap for the NHS in Winchester this evening.

Supported by other key workers such as the police and firefighters they spent a few minutes applauding the work on the frontline in the war against Covid-19.

For the third week, similar gatherings took place at the Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust (HHFT) hospitals in Basingstoke and Andover.

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of HHFT, who was among those taking part in the #ClapForNHS and key workers at Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, said: “Thank you to everyone who came out and joined tonight’s #ClapForNHS and key workers. This weekly show of support really boosts the morale of HHFT staff, and it is much appreciated.

“Our staff are doing an amazing job, and are working so hard – going above and beyond, each and every day – so to know how much their caring and commitment means to our wonderful local community is really heartening.

Ms Whitfield added: “This has been a significant week for HHFT, with the positive news that the Care Quality Commission has rated HHFT as ‘Good’ overall and ‘Outstanding’ for caring, and I am delighted that so many colleagues were able to join tonight’s national show of support at our hospital sites in Basingstoke, Winchester and Andover. The #ClapForNHS and key workers very much embodies the spirit of HHFT’s message that we are #GoodTogether.”

The latest figure for cases in Hampshire is 1,317, up 76. Nationally the death toll is 7,978. There have been 179 deaths in Hampshire with 49 in the HHFT area.