Staff at the town’s hospital have been overwhelmed by the support from the community with donations, gifts and offers of help.

Ellen Holmes, Matron at Bridport Community Hospital, wants to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported staff during the pandemic.

There were offers of places to stay for free or minimal cost for those who needed to isolate from families, with some members of staff staying at Highland’s End Holiday Park.

A Crowdfund was also set up, which raised more than £5,600, with money going towards a staff Christmas meal as they normally have to pay for their own.

Ellen said: “The Crowdfund was amazing, it grew really quickly, which was lovely.

“A lot of local businesses have struggled so the fact people did give us goodies is amazing.

I have worked all over Dorset in the community hospitals and have been here at Bridport for nearly six years. In my 30 years as a nurse I have never known donations and generosity like we have seen - the acknowledgement of what staff have done - it’s been amazing.

“Throughout the peak of Covid, particularly March, April and May, that support was amazing. Thank you to everyone in Bridport for all the support.”

The team received gifts from Morrisons, Lush, Dominos, West Dorset Scrubbers, Evans Plant Hire, Symondsbury Estate, Dorset Auto Spares, New Look, Highlands End Caravan Park, AJ Supplies, the National Trust, Waitrose, Sophia’s Choice, Baboo, Naturalife, Roly’s Fudge Pantry, Portmeirion Pottery, Ralph Lauren, Wetherspoons, Longs Fish and Chips, Country Fayre, Lidl, Poole and Bournemouth College, Hungry Mule and a number of local residents and funding from the League of Friends for newspapers for patients .

The hospital is currently looking for garden volunteers to help keep the garden looking nice for patients and visitors and ward volunteers to support on the wards.

Ellen added: “I hope the feeling of the last few months of people feeling very proud and grateful to the NHS will continue.

“It has been very difficult time for the staff and patients - the whole hospital staff team have all been absolutely amazing and I am extremely proud of every single person.”

The hospital will be become busier in the next few months with the return of outpatient services.

People should also be reminded the Minor Injuries Unit - MIU - is not operating a walk-in service and appointments must be made by calling 01308 426245. MIU staff will triage patients over the phone and make an appointment for them if this is appropriate.