A PHOTOGRAPHER has won an award for her work capturing the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Vicki Small, medical photographer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, has won a bronze award in the Institute of Medical Illustrators annual awards.

She gained the title with her "While you were sleeping" entry, which aims to capture staff devotion while working on hospital Covid wards.

Vicki said: “When attending the red wards to photograph patients I saw the hard work all the staff were doing.

“I wanted to capture this and the commitment and compassion that they gave to every single patient.”

Vicki, who has worked at the Royal Bolton Hospital for nearly 17 years, is one of the health board's photographers as well as a quality lead.

Her job is to ensure standards are met and reviewed continuously to give the best possible service for patients.

Staff nurse Laura Gregory, who features in the images, said: “The first wave hit us like a wave, the second we were more prepared but we were still broken.

"We cared for them like our own and I hope they and their loved ones felt that. The last year has left no one untouched but each patient has touched us."

The awards are given to a photographic, graphic or video entry that demonstrates an excellent application of technique and "an understanding of the requirements of the brief".

Medical illustration manager Ruth Eaves said: “As everyone who’s been working in the trust throughout the pandemic knows, it’s been really tough going at times.

“It has meant a lot to our photographers to try and capture the challenges that staff faced, not just the hard times but the successes too.

“Vicki’s series of photographs really moved me and I am so proud that they were recognised in the Institute of Medical Illustrators awards this year.

“It’s a wonderful achievement for her, our department and the trust.”

Bolton Hospital’s medical illustration department consists of professional medical photographers, a medical artist, graphic designer and an office coordinator.

The team spend their time working with doctors, nurses, scientists and other professionals involved in the delivery of patient care.