Our local heroes on the frontline

Doctor and consultant physician — and one of two Covid19 response lead planners — Richard Stephenson said the overhaul to the way they worked had been dramatic.

‘‘Right through the hospital, every different department has had to redesign — from the physical space, to staffing, to systems and procedures. The level of details that has had to be thought through is enormous,’’ he said.

Despite the strain put on staff, going through the experience together had united them, Dr Stephenson said.

The department’s charge nurse manager, Janet Andrews, a mother of five, said there were many who were also missing out on family time.

But the turbulent times had really pushed people to see their colleagues in a more personal light, she said.

Members of the public had also been keen to show their gratitude.

Before the lockdown began, one person brought in halfadozen large boxes of chocolates to keep spirits up, and it did not end there.

People had been donating money through the hospital’s cafe so busy staff did not have to pay for their coffees during break times.

It was the small gestures that made a big difference, Dunedin ambulance officer Sandra Wilson said.

‘‘You drive along and people on the footpath give you a thumbsup; they give you a wave — it’s really nice.’’

Plumber Mike Croucher has had a reduced workload since restrictions came into force a couple of weeks ago, attending only jobs that could be considered essential such as burst pipes and gas leaks.

While it was intimidating working at such a time, there was “great job satisfaction” in helping housebound folk who needed it most, he said.