Our nurses have been superheroes over the course of the last year, getting us through one of the toughest periods in history for medics.
They have worked around the clock throughout the coronavirus pandemic, helping numerous members of the community to make a full recovery after combating against the deadly disease.
Despite all their hard work, it was announced last week that nurses and other NHS staff are in line for just a one per cent pay rise.
The news led to protests and countless Brits calling for a review.
Breakfast - nurses tuck into cornflakes and oranges at 6.45am
We have delved into the Echo archive to rediscover photographs of Southend Hospital nurses through the decades, dating all the way back to 1939, long before Covid-19 was a known term.
Youngster - Stella Batchelor cleans surgical instruments in 1939
Bedside manner - a patient is seen to by a Southend Hospital nurse in the 1980s
Serving - nurses prepare meals for patients
Read more:
- How south Essex’s firefighters have changed over last century
- IN PICTURES: When plane crashed into Rayleigh car showroom
Morning duty - shifts began at 7am with making beds
VIP - Princess Michael of Kent in conversation with nurses during a visit to Southend Hospital during the 1980s
Needle - a Southend Hospital nurse preparing to inject a patient close to 80 years ago
Ready for action - Southend Hospital’s new nursing intake of 1989
Lessons - the school of learning at Southend Hospital
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