Life in the COVID bubble

Based on interviews with frontline NHS staff, this immersive audio journey celebrates the resilience and compassion of those working in critical care as they faced the intense pressures at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Hear their stories and share something of their experience – from anxiety and grief to humour and pride in their work – in this moving journey through sound and voice.

In 2020 we carried out research which involved interviewing forty frontline staff from four UK hospitals including nurses, medical staff, allied health professionals and ward clerks.

You can read the full findings of this research - the CLAP (Caring, Learning and Pandemic response during COVID-19: NHS Staff Experiences of Working in Critical Care) Study -  here.

It is clear that Covid-19 has created enormous challenges for critical care and profoundly affected staff physically, mentally and emotionally. But how does it really feel on the frontline?

We recommend listening to this as you walk the Edinburgh Labyrinth in George Square, a special place for contemplation. As you follow the maze through this space, you will hear more about the experiences of the frontline staff we interviewed. They speak of the difficulties they faced, but also of the pride they have in their work and their ability to adapt and rise to new challenges. You can, of course, listen wherever is easiest for you.

Please note that some people may find the content upsetting: it contains real-life experiences and sound effects from critical care. It is recommended for age 12+.

This piece shares the experiences of NHS staff working on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. The words are spoken by actors, but the sentiments are those of the staff we interviewed.

We would really like to hear your responses to this piece, so if you have time, please do leave an entry in our virtual visitor book.

Credits:

Produced and directed by Ilan Goodman

Sound design by Jon Nicholls

Actors: Hazel Beattie, Lizzie Winkler, Jack Tarlton, Shobu Kapoor and Wunmi Mosaku

Based on research conducted in the CLAP (Caring, Learning and Pandemic response during COVID-19: NHS Staff Experiences of Working in Critical Care) Study, funded by Medical Research Scotland (CVG-1739-2020) and supported by the Wellcome Trust (209519/Z/17/Z).

If you would rather listen to an audio-only version, without subtitles then this is available below.