Coronavirus: Student doctors graduate early to help fight Covid-19 at Peterborough City Hospital

Many were already carrying out student placements until the end of March and return to Peterborough City Hospital as qualified doctors to help with the Covid-19 response.

Zack Millar, who was at PCH as a final year medical student from Cambridge Medical School, will be one of the new doctors to return.

He said: “The Covid-19 pandemic is putting a real strain on the NHS and I want to help in any way I can. The teaching and supervision I received at PCH as a student made me confident that I will be well-supported as a newly-qualified doctor.

“Despite these testing circumstances, I am excited to be starting my career in Peterborough.”

The junior doctors will be allocated to general wards in the hospital allowing their more senior colleagues to look after patients with Covid-19.

Kanchan Rege, medical director at the trust, which also runs Hinchingbrooke Hospital and Stamford and Rutland Hospital, said: “Our new doctors will all be most welcome at the trust.

“Some will be remaining with us as Foundation Year 1 doctors in August and others will be moving on to other trusts to continue their Foundation Training. We are grateful to them for their help during these extraordinary times.”