Exhibition: Fortitude: Healthcare workers’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic

The museum exhibition features first-hand accounts of the horrors and moments of hope faced by doctors tackling the impact of the virus. It shows the tsunami of demand which faced the NHS and the tight-knit medical community which came together to fight through that most challenging of times. These stories are honest and speak of suffering, chaos and exhaustion. They are also inspiring, filled with compassion, courage and joy.

From trainee doctors and consultants to GPs and physician associates, survey respondents from over 20 medical specialties and professions described how their lives were transformed. With their permission, the RCP is privileged to share their experiences, in their own words.

These stories may be challenging to read and hear. They are honest and speak of suffering, chaos and exhaustion. They are also inspiring, filled with compassion, courage and joy. Some stories may contradict our own understanding of the pandemic, and others caution and urge us to learn from these experiences.

The objects, images, written accounts and recordings in the exhibition were donated to the RCP via the survey, and the quotes are taken directly from donations.