A year of working on the front line captured at Preston hospital

Reflective pictures snapped by photographer Cat Lamoon show the reality of what working on the front line has been like for hospital staff over the past 12 months.

These pictures have been shared exclusively with the Post as today marks the one year anniversary since the first national lockdown was imposed and NHS staff faced a challenging year of uncertainty.

Montage pictures captured on the front line at Royal Preston Hospital show the life-saving efforts by hospital workers as the country applauds their efforts on today's lockdown anniversary.

People are being encouraged to fall silent at midday today, March 23, to remember those who have lost their lives to the virus and show gratitude for front line workers who continue to save lives.

Karen Partington, Chief Executive at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “Throughout the pandemic, we have been extremely proud of our staff and their extraordinary efforts to provide the best care possible to our patients.

“Our clinical and non-clinical staff have gone above and beyond to respond to the needs of our communities, often at personal cost – it really has been a big team effort and many lives have been saved as a result of their dedication and compassion.

“Working at such intensity takes its toll on staff, we have put in place continuing additional support for them so we can continue to provide high-quality services to our communities in the coming months.

“We remember all those we have sadly lost over the last 12 months and our condolences go out to their loved ones in what has been a tremendously difficult period.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to our local communities for supporting their local NHS – their generosity has been overwhelming and really has helped keep us all going over the last year.

“We would also like to pay tribute to all other NHS and key workers whose support has been essential to allow us to get on and do our jobs. Thank you all.”