Medical TV dramas Holby City and Casualty have donated their equipment to the NHS as the coronavirus crisis continues to grip the UK.
The BBC shows – both set in hospitals – use real-life medical equipment as props, and show bosses have now passed on the likes of protective equipment such as surgical masks and gloves, as the UK’s hospitals struggle under the strain of COVID-19.
The shows have followed the lead of American medical drama Grey’s Anatomy and its spin-off Station 19, which have done the same.
Helping hand: Medical TV dramas Holby City and Casualty have donated their equipment to the NHS as the coronavirus crisis continues to grip the UK
This comes as the BBC’s production scheduling was halted as the Prime Minister put the country into lockdown on Monday evening.
Both Casualty and Holby City’s Executive Producer Simon Harper said in a statement: ‘Casualty and Holby City are all about celebrating NHS heroism, so we are only too happy to help out and do what we can for the courageous and selfless real-life medics battling this situation.
‘We are in discussion with local NHS services and will be donating personal protective equipment (PPE) and other useful medical items to assist them.’
The BBC have said of the show’s suspended production schedule: ‘In light of the spread of COVID-19, after much consideration, it has been decided that filming on all BBC Studios continuing dramas will be postponed until further notice.’
Donation: The BBC shows – both set in hospitals – use real-life medical equipment as props, and show bosses have now passed on the likes of protective equipment such as surgical masks and gloves, as the UK’s hospitals struggle under the strain of COVID-19
On lockdown: This comes as the BBC’s production scheduling was halted as the Prime Minister put the country into lockdown on Monday evening
Across the pond, Krista Vernoff, Executive Producer of hit ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy and firefighter-focused Station 19 told Good Morning America on Thursday they have given their local fire station 300 N95 masks.
She said: ‘They were tremendously grateful. At Grey’s Anatomy, we have a back-stock of gowns and gloves which we are donating as well.
‘We are all overwhelmed with gratitude for our healthcare workers during this incredibly difficult time, and in addition to these donations, we are doing our part to help them by staying home.’
Doing their bit: Grey’s Anatomy and spin-off show Station 19 have donated gloves, masks and surgical gowns to emergency services to help the fight against coronavirus
Elsewhere, rheumatologist at Grady Memory Hospital in Atlanta, Dr. Karen Law, later shared a photo of ‘all the things our healthcare workers need to provide safe care for our community during #COVID19’ sent by producers of the The Resident on Fox.
Alongside the photo, Dr. Law penned: ‘Yesterday, I had a serious discussion with the residents about how, though supplies are low, a magical shipment of masks is unlikely to arrive.
‘And yet, a magical shipment of masks DID arrive, in the form of this very generous gesture.
Generous: Krista Vernoff, executive producer of the hit ABC shows told Good Morning America on Thursday they have given their local fire station 300 N95 masks
‘This kind of community support means so much to our #frontlineproviders who are making many sacrifices to staff our hospitals and care for our community.’
Dozens of healthcare workers across the US are testing positive for coronavirus as they battle the highly-infectious disease on the front lines.
At a Chicago suburban hospital, two emergency room physicians have been diagnosed with the virus.
Meanwhile, in nearby St Louis, Missouri, two doctors associated with Washington University tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.
Elsewhere: Dr. Karen Law shared a photo of ‘all the things our healthcare workers need to provide safe care for our community during #COVID19’ sent The Resident on Fox
200 people Children’s Hospital have been tested for coronavirus after a doctor was confirmed to have the virus.
It comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention loosens their guidelines and says healthcare workers can work even if they’ve been exposed to coronavirus as long as they wear a mask.
If they run out of masks, as many in the public continue to hoard, workers are advised to use a scarf or even a bandana.