St Bartholomew’s pharmacists star in Duchess of Cambridge photo exhibition
A picture of two pharmacy technicians from St Bartholomew’s Hospital, taken by their colleague, has been shortlisted in a high profile art exhibition from the Duchess of Cambridge and the National Portrait Gallery.
The image was submitted by Joyce Duah, a photographer and specialist oncology pharmacist at the hospital.
The image was taken on 15 May during Joyce’s lunch break and features Amelia and Dipal, who were redeployed to the intensive care unit (ICU) at St Bartholomew’s at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
During this time, the hospital's cardiac ward, 3A East, was temporarily converted into an ICU, with the area pictured being used to put on personal protective equipment (PPE).
The ‘Hold Still’ exhibition is a unique collective portrait of the UK during the coronavirus lockdown. It focusses on three key themes: helpers and heroes, your new normal and acts of kindness.
There were over 30,000 submissions and Joyce’s effort has made the final 100.
Joyce said: “Amelia and Dipal have been working hard as pharmacy technicians, delivering vital medication multiple times a day to ICU. I've watched them with such admiration for what they are doing and more importantly their positive attitudes.
“They spend their precious lunch breaks encouraging each other with humour and I think they are so brave. I decided I wanted to use my photography skills to document some of their journey.
“I'm so proud of the team and all they do and it's been a privilege to capture their journey during this historic time.
“One of their practices is to write their names on their gowns so that colleagues are able to recognise each other under their PPE and to help the patients who are conscious to feel closer to their carers.”
Sotiris Antoniou, head of pharmacy at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, said:
“Congratulations to Joyce, Amelia and Dipal for their success in getting the photo shortlisted. I’m really pleased that the picture, which highlights the dedication and commitment from all pharmacy staff supporting the wider NHS during lockdown, has been selected as a ‘Hold Still’ portrait.
“This is a great example of how our staff have come together and worked collaboratively during this period to improve patient care.”
To find out more about the Hold Still exhibition, visit the National Portrait Gallery website.
Further information about our pharmacy services is available on the Barts Health website.
Picture credit: Joyce Duah.