Barts Health CIO portrait included in NHS birthday celebrations

A portrait of the CIO at Barts Health NHS Trust is to be showcased across the country as part of the NHS birthday celebrations.

Sarah Jensen, who was part of the team which provided IT support for the NHS Nightingale Hospital in London, was one of 12 people selected due to their vital role during Covid-19.

Her image, which was taken by acclaimed photographer Rankin, has been unveiled across the country at bus stops, roadside billboards and iconic pedestrian areas including the world-famous Piccadilly Lights in central London to mark the 72nd birthday of the NHS.

She said: “I was very surprised and flattered to be chosen – to be at the forefront of the coronavirus story was not something I was expecting. I feel privileged to be representing my profession, as working for the NHS provides such a rewarding career.

“I feel very strongly that we set a good example and help get messages into schools with the younger generations who are experiencing this and run grass root campaigns to recruit and show people at a young age what is possible.”

Others photographed were 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 and a 111 call centre worker.

Sir Simon Stevens, NHS chief executive, added: “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.”