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Rankin creates powerful portrait series dedicated to frontline staff to mark NHS anniversary

Dr Farzana Hussain, GP, Project Surgery, Newham RANKIN - FAD MAGAZINE
Dr Farzana Hussain, GP, Project Surgery, Newham

In a mark of respect and thanks to the NHS, Rankin took portraits of 12 people playing a vital role in the NHS response to COVID-19. The collection is being showcased across the country at bus stops, roadside billboards and iconic pedestrian areas including the world-famous Piccadilly Lights in central London this week to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

Anne Roberts, District Nurse, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust RANKIN FAD MAGAZINE
Anne Roberts, District Nurse, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

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.”

Emma Kelly, Critical Care Nurse, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust RANKIN FAD MAGAZINE
Emma Kelly, Critical Care Nurse, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Those photographed include an ICU consultant, a COVID-19 critical care nurse, a midwife, a 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. All have played a vital role in managing the response to COVID-19 and supporting people impacted by the disease.

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 5th 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.”

Ali Abdi, Porter, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust RANKIN FAD MAGAZINE
Ali Abdi, Porter, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust

The participants have been photographed unhidden by PPE, to reveal the people behind the masks and celebrate the individuals they are. Alongside each portrait, NHS staff 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.

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”

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 free of charge.
See all the portraits here www.england.nhs.uk/rankin

Dr Roopak Khara - General Adult Psychiatrist, West London NHS Trust RANKIN FAD MAGAZINE
Dr Roopak Khara – General Adult Psychiatrist, West London NHS Trust

Background
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
• 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
• Marc Lyons, ICU Consultant, East Cheshire NHS Trust
• 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.

About the arist
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, Harper’s 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.

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