Inside Forth Valley Royal Hospital ICU

But in the weeks and months since then life has changed dramatically and sadly, many have lost their lives during the pandemic.

However, hundreds more have been saved by the dedication of the NHS staff who have nursed them back to health.

Last week our photographer Michael Gillen was given access to the Larbert hospital’s Intensive Care Unit to capture the treatment being given to patients with Covid-19 by staff whose care and compassion is in abundance despite nearly a year tackling the pandemic. The increased emotional toll is having an effect on the staff as the third wave of the virus sees younger patients being admitted to ICU.