A new photographic exhibition showcasing the NHS at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic has been unveiled at University Hospital, Coventry.

Comprising 19 portraits of healthcare professionals across University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, ‘Our Hospital’ features a range of powerful accounts from throughout the pandemic.

Among them are Consultant Tom Billyard and Clinical Lead for Intensive Care Roger Townsend, photographed wearing several layers of personal protective equipment (PPE) as they prepare for lengthy shifts in Critical Care tending to those hit hardest by the virus.

Modern Matron May Parsons, who delivered the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine outside of clinical trials in December 2020, also features in the series situated just one floor below where the vaccine was administered to 90-year-old Maggie Keenan.

Launched as part of Coventry UK City of Culture 2021, the exhibition contains the work of Coventry-born photojournalist Jonny Weeks, originally captured for The Guardian newspaper.

Jonny said: “As the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK, many of us clapped from our doorsteps in support of the NHS and other healthcare workers. Yet we knew so little about their personal stories or their efforts to save our loved ones.

“I felt that we urgently needed to see what was happening inside our hospitals. What I discovered at UHCW was a hospital full of humble heroes."

Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer at UHCW, added: “It is with great pride that some of our staff have chosen to share their personal stories; their honesty and openness is very moving.

“The pandemic placed challenges and pressures on the NHS on a scale never seen before. But what it did do was highlight the amazing dedication, professionalism and compassion our colleagues demonstrate on a daily basis and we hope these stories give you a small glimpse of what life at UHCW was like.”

‘Our Hospital’ has been funded by UHCW Charity and will remain on display until September 2022.