Local NHS workers photographed for NHS birthday portrait collection

Powerful portraits of NHS workers from the North West who have served on the NHS front line throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, have been captured by acclaimed photographer Rankin, as part of collection unveiled today to celebrate the NHS anniversary.

The NHS staff were selected to be photographed for the collection, which will be showcased at local bus stops, roadside billboards as well as iconic pedestrian areas including the world-famous Piccadilly Lights in central London this week to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.  

In a mark of respect and thanks to the NHS, the renowned photographer, who has previously shot the Rolling Stones, Kate Moss and the Queen, offered to take portraits of 12 people across the country playing a vital role in the NHS response to COVID-19.

Three of the NHS staff selected were from the North West.  Emma Kelly, a critical care nurse at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Marc Lyons, ICU Consultant, East Cheshire NHS Trust and Laura Arrowsmith, COVID-19 Ward Cleaner, Leighton Hospital, Crewe.

British photographer, director and cultural provocateur, Rankin, said, “As the coronavirus pandemic began to unfold, I was moved by the incredible efforts of people across the NHS and I wanted to document who they are and their role in fighting this disease. Taking a portrait is a unique and intimate experience, even with social distancing in place. Everyone had their own inspiring story which to them was just doing their job. I hope these images portray the resilience and courage they show every day in the face of real adversity.”

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive, said: “This has been the most challenging year in the NHS’s history, with our amazing staff providing care to almost 100,000 hospitalised Covid patients, and many more in the community. Nurses, doctors, physios, pharmacists, cleaners and countless others have pulled together, bolstered by thousands of former NHS staff who came back to help, alongside a new generation of students who stepped up. As we approach the NHS’s anniversary, these striking portraits pay tribute to all NHS staff and their extraordinary dedication. On July 5^th we also want to say thank you to those from all walks of life who have played their part in helping the NHS and our communities deal with this unprecedented health emergency.”

Emma Kelly, a critical care nurse at the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust said: “At first, I thought it must be the wrong Emma as I feel like I’m just doing the job I’ve been trained to do.

While all of us who work for the NHS do the job because we want to care for and support our patients – it is lovely to be recognised in this way and to be able to share our stories with the world”.

Laura Arrowsmith, COVID-19 Ward Cleaner, Leighton Hospital, Crewe said:

“I felt so proud to have my photograph taken on behalf of Leighton Hospital, and to represent Crewe. We are one big team here and everyone is playing their part and I feel I’m just doing my job as best I can.

The night before I was like a kid on Christmas Eve and when I was there it was a real wow moment.”

Dr Marc Lyons, ICU Consultant, East Cheshire NHS Trust said:

“It was a total surprise to be chosen and I was never going to turn it down- something like this doesn’t happen every day! 

Rankin took the time to find out about me beforehand and I really enjoyed the whole experience.”

Alongside their portrait they have shared their own personal stories from the frontline, providing a unique and touching insight into the lives of the people who are battling this pandemic and saving lives. 

The participants have been photographed unhidden by PPE to reveal the people behind the masks and celebrate the individuals they are.  

All portraits are being donated by Rankin to the NHS as an ongoing legacy for years to come. Advertising space to display the portraits has also been donated.

The full selection of portraits and their stories can be found here: www.england.nhs.uk/rankin

The portraits include an ICU consultant, a COVID-19 critical care nurse, a midwife, a general adult psychiatrist, a hospital porter, a COVID-19 ward cleaner, a paramedic, a GP, a pharmacist, a district nurse, a 111 call centre worker, and a chief information officer.  

• Ade Williams, Superintendent Pharmacist, Bedminster Pharmacy, Bristol
• Ali Abdi, Porter, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
• Anne Roberts, District Nurse, Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust
• Claudia Anghel, Midwife, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire
• Emma Kelly, Critical Care Nurse, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Dr Farzana Hussain, GP, Project Surgery, Newham, London
• Jack Hannay-Manikum, 111 call handler, West Midlands Ambulance Service
• Laura Arrowsmith, Cleaner, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Dr Marc Lyons, ICU Consultant, East Cheshire NHS Trust
• Dr Roopak Khara, General Adult Psychiatrist, West London NHS Trust
• Sarah Jensen, Chief Information Officer, Barts Health NHS Trust
• Stuart Brookfield, Paramedic, South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Photos were taken across four UK locations with reduced crew. The shoot incorporated social distancing measures in accordance with NHS and government guidelines.

The full selection of portraits and their stories can be found here:

www.england.nhs.uk/rankin

About Rankin

Rankin is a British photographer, publisher and film director. With a portfolio ranging from portraiture to documentary, he has shot The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Kendall Jenner and The Queen to name only a few. Fearless behind the lens, his imagery has become engrained in contemporary iconography. Synonymous with compelling portraiture, rankin’s lens captures, creates and unveils icons. His portraits have graced the covers of Elle, Harpers Bazaar, Esquire, GQ and Rolling Stone, and he has produced landmark advertising for brands like Nike, Swatch and Dove, and charities including Oxfam and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Pictured - Laura Arrowsmith, COVID-19 Ward Cleaner, Leighton Hospital, Crewe.