Thank you, NHS!

We treat six frontline health workers to a fabulous makeover

To all NHS staff and volunteers, a big thank you from Prima.

RACHAEL JOHNSON, 32, a deputy sister, is with colleague CLAIRE WHISKEN, 43, a healthcare assistant.

‘It’s been such a tough time, and knowing that patients were ill and vulnerable without their loved ones being able to visit has been really difficult,’ says Rachael. ‘As a team, we support these patients and each other; in a time that is filled with such uncertainty, small acts of solidarity and kindness can go a long way.’ Claire adds: ‘For me, the hardest part of working through the pandemic has been the fear that however careful I am, I could take it home to my children and husband. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be scared and uncertain and ask for help, and I feel very lucky that I work with such an amazing team who are there for each other!’

SALLY PATTIE, 63, is a paramedic and has worked in the NHS for more than 40 years.

‘One of the hardest parts of working through the pandemic is seeing non-covid patients who are clearly unwell, but are so afraid of attending A&E for fear of contracting the virus,’ says Sally. ‘Our job is to reassure them and advise them that getting medical treatment is paramount to them making a recovery.’

KARINA STEPHENS, 33, is a paediatric advanced nurse practitioner.

‘As an A&E nurse,

I’m used to waiting for the unknown, but being on the frontline, seeing potential Covid cases every day, makes us all feel apprehensive,’ says Karina. ‘Our motto is “one team, one goal”. No matter where we’ve been moved to, we are all so resilient, or at least have the resilience to get us all through Covid.’

HELEN WALTERS, 50, a physiotherapy assistant, is with daughter AMY, 23, a trainee nursing associate in A&E.

‘Losing colleagues and patients because of the pandemic has been very distressing,’ says Amy.

‘I’m so grateful Mum is there. She understands the emotional pressures of our jobs. Hospitals are doing all they can, and ours has been amazing.’

Helen adds: ‘I’m so proud of Amy. Far from making her rethink her career, Covid has made her more determined. We both have a real passion for nursing, and she’s really proud of what she’s doing, too.’

EDITOR’S NOTE Thank you to all the ladies who took part, and we’ll do our best to include more NHS staff in future makeovers. And just to add, our shoot adhered to social distancing guidelines – we used a bit of post-production magic to bring the photos together later.