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A hospital trust has released a heartwarming video documenting its journey with Covid-19 to mark the "end of the beginning" of the pandemic.
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust began recording with the consent of staff and featured patients from March and has now released the video on YouTube.
From the rapid expansion of ITU wards during the height of the pandemic to the sourcing of personal protective equipment for staff – each moment has been shared on film.
It is hoped by capturing different roles, procedures and situations on camera the Trust and others can learn from the experience.
As well as offering a small insight into what patient treatment looked like on many of the wards, footage taken also documents various unique operations behind the scenes.
This included the setting up of the compassionate care team to offer support to grieving families and preparing mums-to-be for giving birth during the pandemic.
More light-hearted moments were also documented as part of the film, such as the VE day celebrations where staff dressed up to show their appreciation for war veterans.
The Trust marked the first of many inspiring survival stories with the first Covid-19 ITU discharge which was captured on film to huge applause.
Dartford Uber driver, Biniam Kidane, 43, left Darent Valley Hospital in April after almost three weeks in hospital and spending time critically ill in intensive care.
And while this was followed by many more the Trust also shared some intimate and heartbreaking moments too.
This included tributes to one of the hospital's own, Dr Tariq Shafi, who served as the lead consultant for haematology at Darent Valley where he worked for 13 years. He passed away with the virus aged 61.
In the video, staff can be seen gathering outside the hospital for an emotional send off.
Cintia Bailey, the Trust’s senior communications officer said: "At the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak, it was decided to document the story and legacy throughout the period – one that needed to be registered.
"It is hoped that this film can be an important part of the Trust’s recovery, by being able to look back and reflect on and to also recognise the organisation-wide effort over this period.
"We would like to thank everyone who has agreed to participate in the footage or allow the documentation of their role at this moment in history."
