A midwife at University Hospital, Coventry has been selected as one of 12 national portraits of frontline NHS staff playing a vital role in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

Claudia Anghel, a midwife of 26 years, was photographed by the world-famous photographer, Rankin, alongside other health professions from across the country including a paramedic, 111 call-handler, ICU consultant, a ward cleaner and a district nurse.

The collection will be showcased across the country at bus stops, roadside billboards and iconic pedestrian areas to mark the 72nd anniversary of the NHS.

During the NHS’ Trusts response to the coronavirus pandemic, Claudia, a Labour Coordinator at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, was instrumental in putting in place vital new measures on the maternity wards to provide safe care to mums, babies and their families, at what was a stressful and uncertain time.

“It was a real privilege to be photographed by Rankin, I was flattered to be chosen. I was incredibly nervous, but he put me at ease asking me about my job and how I felt to be working in the NHS during this challenging time.

“Even during challenging times, midwifery is about life and joy. Our care for expectant mums couldn’t change, we had to continue to provide the best care for mums and their babies, whilst keeping everyone safe”, said Claudia from Nuneaton.

“We often have to step in to become an expectant mother’s emotional support as well as provide clinical care throughout her maternity journey. I feel very strongly that we set a good example - I am enormously proud to be a midwife, and of the incredible team I work with at University Hospital, Coventry”.

Gaynor Armstrong, Group Director of Midwifery said: “It’s a credit to Claudia, and the midwifery team here at the hospital, that the profession is being recognized in this special photography campaign. I have been enormously impressed by their continued dedication to mothers, babies and their families during these difficult last few months of the pandemic”.

Janet Driver, Regional Midwife for the Midlands, said: I’m delighted that Claudia was chosen to be one of these powerful and personal portraits.

“Her selection is testament to her dedication to the many women she has helped enjoy safe and healthy childbirth experiences. These portraits capture Claudia’s spirit, her strength and resilience - you can see how much passion she has for her job. She is a shining example of her profession.

“Her enthusiasm for supporting women by putting them at the centre of their own care is evident in all that she does. I wish to thank her for all she does for colleagues and for women and their babies”.