The infection control nurses on frontline of coronavirus fight in Leeds

The 12 members of Leeds Community Healthcare Trust's infection and prevention control team are giving lifesaving advice on how to limit infection to community services, care homes, GP practices and hospices.

And the close-knit team - with a combined 274 years' NHS experience - have been at the forefront of community testing for coronavirus and are distributing personal protective equipment across the city.

Liz Grogan, lead infection prevention and control nurse specialist, spoke to the YEP as part of our series of #healthheroes stories.

The YEP is celebrating health workers across Leeds, who are the very front line of keeping our nation safe.

Mrs Grogan said her team, which won ‘Team of the Year 2019’ at the Infection Prevention Society Awards, started planning in February on how Covid -19 might impact their trust.

Mrs Grogan, the trust's deputy director of infection prevention and control, said: "We really recognise that this is not a sprint and it’s a marathon, and that we need to look after each other to get through this period of change.

"Every day can be challenging but we support each other.

"We have a couple of good bakers in the team, so a nice piece of cake and cup of tea is always helpful in reducing the pressure."

"When we reach the end of this pandemic there will be a lot of reflection for many services across the NHS.

"The tenacity and inner strength that we have built will be something to look back on and be very proud of."

Mrs Grogan added: "The recognition we have seen from fellow colleagues and members of the public is a huge encouragement to us all and we thank the people of Leeds.

"There are so many people on the frontline in the NHS, social care and many more making a difference and this fills me with such pride."

Steph Lawrence, executive director of Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, said: “Team members have been absolute heroes during this time; dealing with everything thrown at them in order to keep people safe.

"Infection, prevention and control is central to this situation and they are managing really high demand.

"The team is making sure advice and guidance is followed in line with evidence and best practice whilst managing queries and concerns from NHS and wider system colleagues.

"This team has also been central in ensuring community swabbing is undertaken as and when required.

"They continue to be exceptional in their flexibility and responsiveness - under Liz’s leadership they have been simply amazing. "

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