top of page
Never has there been such a collaboration of photographers who've captured nationwide healthcare workers to reveal the human story.
We share this with gratitude to those who dedicated their lives to service during such an intense period of time.
We’re currently working on more showcases through indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Please do get in touch if you’re interested in sharing these touching stories in your area.
Click on images to discover stories from healthcare workers.
Jess Simon, Therapeutic Care Support
South Tees Hospitals
NHS Foundation
"The most challenging part has been working with confused patients with Dementia or Alzheimer. These patients are so scared and frightened.
We have been their only family and support. It has been hard because due to the confusion, these patients tend to remove treatment such as oxygen cannulas, which has resulted in
deterioration of their health.
I’ve held the hands of patients when their family couldn’t. I’ve cried because they can’t understand why the only faces they can see are strangers. I’ve sat bedside with Covid-19 positive patients for extended periods of time to ensure that they are keeping their treatment on. I wish that every patient made a full recovery. "
PHOTOGRAPHER: Aaron Jeffels
NHS Foundation
"The most challenging part has been working with confused patients with Dementia or Alzheimer. These patients are so scared and frightened.
We have been their only family and support. It has been hard because due to the confusion, these patients tend to remove treatment such as oxygen cannulas, which has resulted in
deterioration of their health.
I’ve held the hands of patients when their family couldn’t. I’ve cried because they can’t understand why the only faces they can see are strangers. I’ve sat bedside with Covid-19 positive patients for extended periods of time to ensure that they are keeping their treatment on. I wish that every patient made a full recovery. "
PHOTOGRAPHER: Aaron Jeffels
Dr. Heather Stirling with fiancé Dr. Joseph Harvey
Palliative Care Doctor
Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh
"I’ve been overwhelmed by kindness: The families who stepped back and accepted our no visiting policies. The patients who’d ask if we were ok. The staff who stepped up to multiple extra shifts uncomplaining. To the managers who kept checking in with us all, despite the mountains of new work they have taken on.
Everyone was exhausted but everyone kept adapting smiling (behind the masks) and supporting each other.
Supporting a family member through the end of their life is hard. To have to do that at a distance, and not to be able to have a proper funeral, just doesn’t bear thinking about. They have been so kind, so grateful and so accepting of what we have been able to offer and that has been truly
humbling."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Austin Mitchell
Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh
"I’ve been overwhelmed by kindness: The families who stepped back and accepted our no visiting policies. The patients who’d ask if we were ok. The staff who stepped up to multiple extra shifts uncomplaining. To the managers who kept checking in with us all, despite the mountains of new work they have taken on.
Everyone was exhausted but everyone kept adapting smiling (behind the masks) and supporting each other.
Supporting a family member through the end of their life is hard. To have to do that at a distance, and not to be able to have a proper funeral, just doesn’t bear thinking about. They have been so kind, so grateful and so accepting of what we have been able to offer and that has been truly
humbling."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Austin Mitchell
Edward Irish, Nursing Assistant
Queen Elizabeth University
Hospitals Birmingham
NHS FoundationTrust
"Watching patients pass away whilst I was wearing full PPE, which was very hot. Being afraid of contracting Covid-19 and seeing all my colleagues exhausted, were things that challenged me the most.
However I was inspired by watching all the nurses just getting on with the job at hand and having to deal with the amount of the patients that
we had.
I feel honoured and proud that I can do this alongside all the people who work for the NHS.
I think this pandemic has taken a little piece of all of us that we'll never get back."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Clive Blair
Hospitals Birmingham
NHS FoundationTrust
"Watching patients pass away whilst I was wearing full PPE, which was very hot. Being afraid of contracting Covid-19 and seeing all my colleagues exhausted, were things that challenged me the most.
However I was inspired by watching all the nurses just getting on with the job at hand and having to deal with the amount of the patients that
we had.
I feel honoured and proud that I can do this alongside all the people who work for the NHS.
I think this pandemic has taken a little piece of all of us that we'll never get back."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Clive Blair
Maggie Mya, Midwife
Royal Sussex County Hospital Brighton NHS Trust
"The unknown was the
greatest challenge.
The nature of my job and personality means that those I care for will always come first. Working in a pandemic, with the high potential of risk to my own health and that of my colleagues, was really difficult.
I’ve been truly inspired by the
incredible teams I work with day in day out. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that we would be working side by side through a global pandemic – caring for our patients and bringing newborns into such a turbulent world. We all know that newborns wait for no one and it has been incredibly humbling, to work with the spectrum of death all around us – as we bring new life safely into the world."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Amanda Thomas
"The unknown was the
greatest challenge.
The nature of my job and personality means that those I care for will always come first. Working in a pandemic, with the high potential of risk to my own health and that of my colleagues, was really difficult.
I’ve been truly inspired by the
incredible teams I work with day in day out. Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine that we would be working side by side through a global pandemic – caring for our patients and bringing newborns into such a turbulent world. We all know that newborns wait for no one and it has been incredibly humbling, to work with the spectrum of death all around us – as we bring new life safely into the world."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Amanda Thomas
Michael Hudson, Lead Nurse Ophthamology
HMR Division Integrated Care
Pennine Acute Hospital NHS Trust
"The NHS was ramping up like I have never seen in all my career of nearly 30 years. Wards were being changed into intensive Care Units, my friend who I was supposed to be going to Base Camp Everest with, was moved to work in ICU out of his normal role as a theatre practitioner.
It felt like there was only myself going to work, the roads were empty. The world seemed at a strange peace with itself and yet it was like, only I really knew the terror that was happening all around me. It was like living in a parallel universe, a nightmare but it was real and at times we
were all in it together.
The only relaxation I could find was to keep training for Everest and spend time on the hills, just myself and my dog."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Brett Harkness
Pennine Acute Hospital NHS Trust
"The NHS was ramping up like I have never seen in all my career of nearly 30 years. Wards were being changed into intensive Care Units, my friend who I was supposed to be going to Base Camp Everest with, was moved to work in ICU out of his normal role as a theatre practitioner.
It felt like there was only myself going to work, the roads were empty. The world seemed at a strange peace with itself and yet it was like, only I really knew the terror that was happening all around me. It was like living in a parallel universe, a nightmare but it was real and at times we
were all in it together.
The only relaxation I could find was to keep training for Everest and spend time on the hills, just myself and my dog."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Brett Harkness
Bev Ryan-Hawes, Senior Mental Health Nurse
Mill View Hospital Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
"My wife was ill with Covid and needed an ambulance one night as she couldn’t breathe. My fear of losing her was unbearable. I couldn’t let her see this as I didn’t want to make her feel fear, and then worsen her illness. At the same time my mum was very ill, and I felt I had to choose between being with mum and my wife. I chose my wife. My mum later died and I never had the chance to see her alive again.
Holding the space for my beautiful wife, surrounding and bathing her with love whilst she healed and recovered. Holding the space at work at times of uncertainty for junior staff and patients, who were already in fear, through mental distress and now feeling more fearful because of Covid-19."
PHOTOGRAPHER: David Green
"My wife was ill with Covid and needed an ambulance one night as she couldn’t breathe. My fear of losing her was unbearable. I couldn’t let her see this as I didn’t want to make her feel fear, and then worsen her illness. At the same time my mum was very ill, and I felt I had to choose between being with mum and my wife. I chose my wife. My mum later died and I never had the chance to see her alive again.
Holding the space for my beautiful wife, surrounding and bathing her with love whilst she healed and recovered. Holding the space at work at times of uncertainty for junior staff and patients, who were already in fear, through mental distress and now feeling more fearful because of Covid-19."
PHOTOGRAPHER: David Green
Dr Yasotha Browne, GP & Clinical Lead
Homeless Healthcare Team, Solent NHS Trust Southampton
"Once lockdown hit, our walk-ins abruptly stopped at Homeless Healthcare Southampton. So we gathered a multidisciplinary street outreach group to help the most vulnerable homeless people.
This was a real eye opener, seeing the harsh reality of the lives of those most in need. We were all very grateful for the Government initiative to get homeless people off the streets for the time that it was there.
The experience has made me value what we have, as well as given me more knowledge of what we need more to help others.
Exploring different ways of working has been healthy."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Dave Dodge
"Once lockdown hit, our walk-ins abruptly stopped at Homeless Healthcare Southampton. So we gathered a multidisciplinary street outreach group to help the most vulnerable homeless people.
This was a real eye opener, seeing the harsh reality of the lives of those most in need. We were all very grateful for the Government initiative to get homeless people off the streets for the time that it was there.
The experience has made me value what we have, as well as given me more knowledge of what we need more to help others.
Exploring different ways of working has been healthy."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Dave Dodge
Caroline Lawrence, ICU Staff Nurse
James Paget NHS University Trust, Norfolk.
"I was shielded 5 weeks after
Lockdown began. In ICU, staff are more than colleagues, they are your work family. When access to your own family and your work family are denied it isolates you in ways you can't imagine. It has given me time to think about what's important and about what I miss, but the thing I miss the most is not being able to hug my son, my mum and baby granddaughter. That's an ache nothing can replace.
The support of the public towards healthcare workers has been astounding. It just proved to me that there IS community spirit and we can all pull together when the need arises. It takes a situation like this to help you believe in the kindness of strangers."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Angela Adams
"I was shielded 5 weeks after
Lockdown began. In ICU, staff are more than colleagues, they are your work family. When access to your own family and your work family are denied it isolates you in ways you can't imagine. It has given me time to think about what's important and about what I miss, but the thing I miss the most is not being able to hug my son, my mum and baby granddaughter. That's an ache nothing can replace.
The support of the public towards healthcare workers has been astounding. It just proved to me that there IS community spirit and we can all pull together when the need arises. It takes a situation like this to help you believe in the kindness of strangers."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Angela Adams
Grahame Fraser, Registered General Nurse Educator
Birmingham
"I work for the Learning and
Development team that supports the nursing associates and nurses across the community care trust, to be able to respond and develop during this COVID-19 pandemic. The public health impact is touching our private and professional lives, thus I
understand that students might be anxious about the impact on their patients, colleagues and families.
I have been inspired by the
professionalism that has been demonstrated by these new members of the nursing family that support our NHS.
Some staff volunteered to work at the Nightingale Unit which demonstrates the dedication they have for caring for people in the community."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jesse Gerald
"I work for the Learning and
Development team that supports the nursing associates and nurses across the community care trust, to be able to respond and develop during this COVID-19 pandemic. The public health impact is touching our private and professional lives, thus I
understand that students might be anxious about the impact on their patients, colleagues and families.
I have been inspired by the
professionalism that has been demonstrated by these new members of the nursing family that support our NHS.
Some staff volunteered to work at the Nightingale Unit which demonstrates the dedication they have for caring for people in the community."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jesse Gerald
Caitlan Evans, Midwife
Lister Hospital, Stevenage, East & North Herts, NHS Trust
"I can no longer be a physical shoulder to cry on, or offer a hug when a birthing persons strength falters, or even offer a comforting smile. Now I have to convey my emotions with my eyes and offer my support with my words and actions. It has been an amazing learning curve. I’ve had fantastic feedback from birthing people for the support they have received.
My wife has single handedly worked from home 9-5 whilst home-schooling the children and all the other bits that life entails. Her resilience has
inspired me no end. My children have had to learn a new way of life. They can no longer cuddle me, when I come home from a 12 hour shift. They know to wait until I’ve 'washed the ‘Macarona’ virus off'. They've taken it on the chin and just got on with it."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tara Gillen
"I can no longer be a physical shoulder to cry on, or offer a hug when a birthing persons strength falters, or even offer a comforting smile. Now I have to convey my emotions with my eyes and offer my support with my words and actions. It has been an amazing learning curve. I’ve had fantastic feedback from birthing people for the support they have received.
My wife has single handedly worked from home 9-5 whilst home-schooling the children and all the other bits that life entails. Her resilience has
inspired me no end. My children have had to learn a new way of life. They can no longer cuddle me, when I come home from a 12 hour shift. They know to wait until I’ve 'washed the ‘Macarona’ virus off'. They've taken it on the chin and just got on with it."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tara Gillen
Scholastique Kamuisuku, Support Care Worker
Community Integrated Care's
EachStep, Manchester.
"It was very challenging knowing that we had Covid-19 in the building. I did feel at first like I was putting myself at risk, but this didn’t stop me from doing my duties as a carer. I wanted to support the residents. Even though I contracted Covid-19 - it did not stop me caring. Once I recovered, I returned straight back to work.
It was so upsetting seeing people I have supported for a long time become unwell with the virus and pass away without their loved ones by their side. No matter how stressful the situation, myself and my colleagues have always tried to stay positive and deliver the best care
possible.
We also try to support the families that cannot be here with their loved one as much as we can."
PHTOGRAPHER: Julie Herbert Adams
EachStep, Manchester.
"It was very challenging knowing that we had Covid-19 in the building. I did feel at first like I was putting myself at risk, but this didn’t stop me from doing my duties as a carer. I wanted to support the residents. Even though I contracted Covid-19 - it did not stop me caring. Once I recovered, I returned straight back to work.
It was so upsetting seeing people I have supported for a long time become unwell with the virus and pass away without their loved ones by their side. No matter how stressful the situation, myself and my colleagues have always tried to stay positive and deliver the best care
possible.
We also try to support the families that cannot be here with their loved one as much as we can."
PHTOGRAPHER: Julie Herbert Adams
Shaunee Jamieson, Continuity of Carer Midwife
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
NHS Grampian, Scotland
"Midwife’ comes from the Latin term meaning, ‘with women’ and I feel that sums up our job so well. Part of my job is reassuring and supporting women and it’s been hard to do that through the pandemic because we just didn’t know what was coming next. I had to have some really
difficult, emotional conversations behind a mask and full PPE, which felt really odd.
I come from Shetland originally, so getting to family involves either a plane or ferry journey. When
restrictions eased, I could have
travelled to see them – but it didn’t feel right. I was still working and going into other households daily to visit women in my caseload."
NHS Grampian, Scotland
"Midwife’ comes from the Latin term meaning, ‘with women’ and I feel that sums up our job so well. Part of my job is reassuring and supporting women and it’s been hard to do that through the pandemic because we just didn’t know what was coming next. I had to have some really
difficult, emotional conversations behind a mask and full PPE, which felt really odd.
I come from Shetland originally, so getting to family involves either a plane or ferry journey. When
restrictions eased, I could have
travelled to see them – but it didn’t feel right. I was still working and going into other households daily to visit women in my caseload."
Kiera Hagan, Midwifery Ward Manager
South Warwickshire
NHS Foundation Trust
"I was 25 weeks pregnant at the time of this portrait. I was managing one ward. The week after I found out I was pregnant, the manager of the other ward stepped down and I took on that ward too. Two weeks later the UK went into Lockdown.
Throughout, I had to manage the anxiety levels of all of my staff and made all of the ladies arriving in the wards feel safe and comfortable, all whilst dealing with my own worries about working whilst pregnant.
My family were telling me not to go to work but I felt an overwhelming need to help – I felt like my colleagues were going to war and I didn’t want to leave them. I was scared for my patients, myself and my family's safety, and generally frightened for what was going to happen."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Charlie Flounders
NHS Foundation Trust
"I was 25 weeks pregnant at the time of this portrait. I was managing one ward. The week after I found out I was pregnant, the manager of the other ward stepped down and I took on that ward too. Two weeks later the UK went into Lockdown.
Throughout, I had to manage the anxiety levels of all of my staff and made all of the ladies arriving in the wards feel safe and comfortable, all whilst dealing with my own worries about working whilst pregnant.
My family were telling me not to go to work but I felt an overwhelming need to help – I felt like my colleagues were going to war and I didn’t want to leave them. I was scared for my patients, myself and my family's safety, and generally frightened for what was going to happen."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Charlie Flounders
Jules Barnes-Hunter, ODP (Operating department practitioner)
Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Whilst working in ICU, I was isolated from family due to the risk of infection and intensity to workload. There was a sense of loneliness, disparity, disbelief, panic, anxiety and a need to put my estate in order for my family in case I caught the virus and died.
As a photographer as well as a qualified healthcare professional, I sought permission to create a photo journal. This was my inspiration to give back to my work colleagues who throughout all this pulled to gather.
The pandemic has had a profound effect on many who worked the frontline. As health workers we were faced with a virus which terrified, kills and damages many those effected.
Many of us felt a sense of foreboding particularly during the early stages of viewing the the Government’s daily update.
Many of my co-workers talked about the feeling of impeding doom; especially as we watched the virus spread from country to country. The thought process of rationalising what was ahead of us we understood only too well medically how the brain’s physiological response to trauma and stress centred, fight, flight, or freeze part of the brain; triggering adrenaline flow, pushing up pulse and blood pressure levels dramatically, and flooding the heart, brain into action. There appeared to be little option to us as health workers, this was our profession.
The pandemic brought about the power of a strong unity and a selfless sense of purpose. It has been an experience that changed us, and those changes will last a lifetime. The willingness to die for another person is a form of love, and is a profound and essential part of the experience.
The experience I’ll take away from this pandemic is camaraderie during the period working within ICU."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Annie Burbage
Whilst working in ICU, I was isolated from family due to the risk of infection and intensity to workload. There was a sense of loneliness, disparity, disbelief, panic, anxiety and a need to put my estate in order for my family in case I caught the virus and died.
As a photographer as well as a qualified healthcare professional, I sought permission to create a photo journal. This was my inspiration to give back to my work colleagues who throughout all this pulled to gather.
The pandemic has had a profound effect on many who worked the frontline. As health workers we were faced with a virus which terrified, kills and damages many those effected.
Many of us felt a sense of foreboding particularly during the early stages of viewing the the Government’s daily update.
Many of my co-workers talked about the feeling of impeding doom; especially as we watched the virus spread from country to country. The thought process of rationalising what was ahead of us we understood only too well medically how the brain’s physiological response to trauma and stress centred, fight, flight, or freeze part of the brain; triggering adrenaline flow, pushing up pulse and blood pressure levels dramatically, and flooding the heart, brain into action. There appeared to be little option to us as health workers, this was our profession.
The pandemic brought about the power of a strong unity and a selfless sense of purpose. It has been an experience that changed us, and those changes will last a lifetime. The willingness to die for another person is a form of love, and is a profound and essential part of the experience.
The experience I’ll take away from this pandemic is camaraderie during the period working within ICU."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Annie Burbage
Diane Barker, Hospice Manager
Marie Curie Hospice
Liverpool
"Throughout the Lockdown period we had great support from the local
community and had numerous donations of tea, coffee, sweets and biscuits. One day someone brought in pizzas for the ward staff.
The support from the general public has been phenomenal and really touching. We had a selection of homemade thank you cards sent in from the local school children,thanking us for the work we were doing during the pandemic."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Allen Thomasson
Liverpool
"Throughout the Lockdown period we had great support from the local
community and had numerous donations of tea, coffee, sweets and biscuits. One day someone brought in pizzas for the ward staff.
The support from the general public has been phenomenal and really touching. We had a selection of homemade thank you cards sent in from the local school children,thanking us for the work we were doing during the pandemic."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Allen Thomasson
Kay King, Healthcare Assistant (General)
Royal Derby Hospital
University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Foundation Trust
"I gave up a 29 year hairdressing career in December 2019, to join the NHS and it’s the best thing I ever did. My daughter was my inspiration, as she is also a healthcare assistant.
The thing I found most challenging was the vast amount of PPE we had to wear in the operating theatres – it was very hot and tiring.
Our operating theatres were
converted into extra ITU (intensive treatment unit) rooms, so we had to move everything over into the Orthopaedic theatres and share their theatre space, which was very unfamiliar.
The kindness and appreciation shown by everybody, made me realise what a valuable job everyone in the NHS does."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Chris Clarke
University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Foundation Trust
"I gave up a 29 year hairdressing career in December 2019, to join the NHS and it’s the best thing I ever did. My daughter was my inspiration, as she is also a healthcare assistant.
The thing I found most challenging was the vast amount of PPE we had to wear in the operating theatres – it was very hot and tiring.
Our operating theatres were
converted into extra ITU (intensive treatment unit) rooms, so we had to move everything over into the Orthopaedic theatres and share their theatre space, which was very unfamiliar.
The kindness and appreciation shown by everybody, made me realise what a valuable job everyone in the NHS does."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Chris Clarke
Jo Gowland, Mental Health - Clinical Liaison Coordinator
Middlesbrough
The Challenges
“The increase in clients needing urgent support during the pandemic and working more than doable hours to fulfil the need as well as running a home, looking after my family and caring for my own elderly mother whilst ensuring my own wellbeing didn’t suffer.”
The Inspiration
“I refuse to watch the news anymore and instead follow pages such as Good News Movement on Instagram to see daily acts of kindness from communities pulling together to young and old wanting to make a difference to people they’ve never met!”
We have had to postpone our wedding due to Covid-19 with everything that goes with it and my wonderful friends arrived laden with gifts and props on the weekend we should have been in Prague.
It’s the little things, the small gestures and token displays of effort that mean the most to me and I believe there’s so much more of that happening in spite of this terrible time.”
PHOTOGRAPHER: Aaron Jeffels
Dr Graham Campbell, Consultant Psychiatrist
Mill View Hospital, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
"At the early stages of the pandemic, there was so much that was unknown. We had several patients with Covid-19 on the ward who had to self-isolate in their rooms, which was difficult for them. It was also difficult for us as staff were becoming unwell and it felt like only a matter of time before we would also contract it.
I honestly have to say how impressed I was with so many of the vulnerable patients I work with on the acute mental health ward, specifically their ability to pull together, support each other and show real understanding of the nature of the challenge we all faced."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Faye Collyer-Rolls
"At the early stages of the pandemic, there was so much that was unknown. We had several patients with Covid-19 on the ward who had to self-isolate in their rooms, which was difficult for them. It was also difficult for us as staff were becoming unwell and it felt like only a matter of time before we would also contract it.
I honestly have to say how impressed I was with so many of the vulnerable patients I work with on the acute mental health ward, specifically their ability to pull together, support each other and show real understanding of the nature of the challenge we all faced."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Faye Collyer-Rolls
Dr. Surjit Dhilon, GP (retired)
Coventry & Warwickshire NHS PartnershipTrust
"I have worked as a GP at my current practice for over 25 years and as such, I feel I know the majority of my patients very well. This has been important due to the dramatic changes to our working practices caused by Covid-19.
As the majority of consultations are undertaken remotely, I believe this impacts on building relationships with patients. Also non-verbal cues can be missed and I have to admit, that this has caused me to have concerns about not picking up a serious problem.
The very clear message that I am receiving from our patients is that they do not like the 'new normal' and I to miss seeing patients in the surgery.
However I am not sure if we will be able to go back completely to the previous way of working once this pandemic is over."
PHOTOGRAPHER: David Archer
"I have worked as a GP at my current practice for over 25 years and as such, I feel I know the majority of my patients very well. This has been important due to the dramatic changes to our working practices caused by Covid-19.
As the majority of consultations are undertaken remotely, I believe this impacts on building relationships with patients. Also non-verbal cues can be missed and I have to admit, that this has caused me to have concerns about not picking up a serious problem.
The very clear message that I am receiving from our patients is that they do not like the 'new normal' and I to miss seeing patients in the surgery.
However I am not sure if we will be able to go back completely to the previous way of working once this pandemic is over."
PHOTOGRAPHER: David Archer
Dan Anderson, Mental Health Support Worker
Willows Hospital
Leicestershire NHS Trust
"The toughest part for me was carrying on whilst making out everything is fine with my patients. As the whole world was closing down, everyone else had time to stop and reflect. My life hasn't really changed.
Our village community has been incredible. We have all come together to help each other. I had Covid-19 in early May and so me and my family had to isolate. We had so many people willing to help us, it was heart warming.
I was also inspired by my colleagues and all the other key workers who kept this country keep running. These were people that were sometimes looked down upon during 'normal ' times but were actually the people who enabled the country to carry on."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Samantha Ferrer
Leicestershire NHS Trust
"The toughest part for me was carrying on whilst making out everything is fine with my patients. As the whole world was closing down, everyone else had time to stop and reflect. My life hasn't really changed.
Our village community has been incredible. We have all come together to help each other. I had Covid-19 in early May and so me and my family had to isolate. We had so many people willing to help us, it was heart warming.
I was also inspired by my colleagues and all the other key workers who kept this country keep running. These were people that were sometimes looked down upon during 'normal ' times but were actually the people who enabled the country to carry on."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Samantha Ferrer
Suzy Jane Mead, Cognitive Behaviour Therapist
Steps 2 Wellbeing
Dorset HealthCare University
NHS Foundation Trust
"Within the community hospital, a number of services have maintained face to face contact throughout the pandemic. The therapy rooms, where we previously delivered, had been re-purposed and utilised by one such service. This is a perinatal service, offering regular checks to pregnant women within the local area.
I have found the willingness,
dedication and professionalism of the staff truly inspirational.
The way that the front line
emergency services and essential treatment teams continued to operate throughout the Covid-19 crisis has been tremendously heart-warming."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Amy Misfud
Dorset HealthCare University
NHS Foundation Trust
"Within the community hospital, a number of services have maintained face to face contact throughout the pandemic. The therapy rooms, where we previously delivered, had been re-purposed and utilised by one such service. This is a perinatal service, offering regular checks to pregnant women within the local area.
I have found the willingness,
dedication and professionalism of the staff truly inspirational.
The way that the front line
emergency services and essential treatment teams continued to operate throughout the Covid-19 crisis has been tremendously heart-warming."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Amy Misfud
Major Angela Laycock, British Army Officer
The Corps of Royal Engineers, Nottingham, Operation Rescript - UK military
response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Many parts of the Armed Forces were mobilised in support of Operation
Rescript, assisting the NHS and
healthcare sector in so many vital tasks, from mobile testing facilities, to ambulance driving, transporting nurses and patients and distributing vital medical equipment.
I led the design and build team
constructing the Birmingham
Nightingale Hospital – in under 2 weeks. This epic project required mobilising the many trades of the Royal Engineers, civilian contractors and the NHS to work as a coordinated team to create a fully equipped and functioning COVID 19 hospital."
(Angela is pictured wearing her
military officers mess dress, holding the Nightingale Hospital plans.)
PHOTOGRAPHER: Deb Hall
response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Many parts of the Armed Forces were mobilised in support of Operation
Rescript, assisting the NHS and
healthcare sector in so many vital tasks, from mobile testing facilities, to ambulance driving, transporting nurses and patients and distributing vital medical equipment.
I led the design and build team
constructing the Birmingham
Nightingale Hospital – in under 2 weeks. This epic project required mobilising the many trades of the Royal Engineers, civilian contractors and the NHS to work as a coordinated team to create a fully equipped and functioning COVID 19 hospital."
(Angela is pictured wearing her
military officers mess dress, holding the Nightingale Hospital plans.)
PHOTOGRAPHER: Deb Hall
Maire O'Riordan, Consultant in Palliative Care
Marie Curie Hospice, Glasgow.
"Uncertainty from the beginning of the outbreak right through to the present moment has been a real challenge.
'Will I become ill, contagious?'
'Will I put my family, colleagues
and patients at risk?'
'Have we enough PPE protection?'
'Will it always feel this serious when we will reach the new normal?'
The sadness of patients at the end of life not having their families around them in the usual way has been distressing to witness.
Although it has been a very sad and difficult time, being with a loved one at this unique time in their lives is very special and I really feel for everyone who has lost out on that."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Gordon Russell
"Uncertainty from the beginning of the outbreak right through to the present moment has been a real challenge.
'Will I become ill, contagious?'
'Will I put my family, colleagues
and patients at risk?'
'Have we enough PPE protection?'
'Will it always feel this serious when we will reach the new normal?'
The sadness of patients at the end of life not having their families around them in the usual way has been distressing to witness.
Although it has been a very sad and difficult time, being with a loved one at this unique time in their lives is very special and I really feel for everyone who has lost out on that."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Gordon Russell
Leah Berry, Perinatal Mental Health Team
Team manager, Birmingham
“It was challenging having to work at a distance from our women babies and families on our caseload. Managing their heavy weighted concerns and needs over the phone or video isn't the same as being there with them and having a presence.
Working apart from our colleagues has been incredibly hard, in difficult times you need your team and support around you. Working from home or alone at base has been very tough.
Reading has given me an outlet and escape, but also a way of grounding myself with fresh perspective and new ideas.
The resilience of NHS staff to ensure our families are safe and well. The willingness to put on PPE to ensure women and babies are safe in their home environments.
I am very proud to be a part of the NHS. Mental health work has not stopped at all during Covid. Our staff have had to juggle childcare, schooling their own families losses or physical health concerns while still coming into work everyday and giving their best.”
PHOTOGRAPHER: Clive Blair
“It was challenging having to work at a distance from our women babies and families on our caseload. Managing their heavy weighted concerns and needs over the phone or video isn't the same as being there with them and having a presence.
Working apart from our colleagues has been incredibly hard, in difficult times you need your team and support around you. Working from home or alone at base has been very tough.
Reading has given me an outlet and escape, but also a way of grounding myself with fresh perspective and new ideas.
The resilience of NHS staff to ensure our families are safe and well. The willingness to put on PPE to ensure women and babies are safe in their home environments.
I am very proud to be a part of the NHS. Mental health work has not stopped at all during Covid. Our staff have had to juggle childcare, schooling their own families losses or physical health concerns while still coming into work everyday and giving their best.”
PHOTOGRAPHER: Clive Blair
Iain Robertson Catering Operations Manager
Solent NHS Trust
"As my baby daughter was on the shielding list, I had to live apart from my family for over two months.
Not seeing my wife and children everyday was very difficult but work kept me very busy which was a blessing.
I think the pandemic united people and brought the best out in everyone.
There were many acts of kindness; from people getting shopping for each other to free items being delivered to hospitals for staff.
On a personal note, a local pub delivered me a roast dinner, free of charge, every Sunday whilst I was living in the hotel.
This was the highlight of my week each week."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Dave Dodge
"As my baby daughter was on the shielding list, I had to live apart from my family for over two months.
Not seeing my wife and children everyday was very difficult but work kept me very busy which was a blessing.
I think the pandemic united people and brought the best out in everyone.
There were many acts of kindness; from people getting shopping for each other to free items being delivered to hospitals for staff.
On a personal note, a local pub delivered me a roast dinner, free of charge, every Sunday whilst I was living in the hotel.
This was the highlight of my week each week."
PHOTOGRAPHER: Dave Dodge
bottom of page