The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Picture mural charts 40 years of NHS in the city
A stunning photographic mural charting 40 years of hospital staff, services and healthcare progress has been officially unveiled at Peterborough City Hospital.
The mural - made of 150 images captured through the lens of well-known Peterborough amateur photographer and former paramedic Chris Porsz - has pride of place along the corridor leading to the Outpatients department.
The incredible photos record fantastic stories of advances in treatments and technology, changes in uniforms, buildings and equipment – along with personal highlights from staff past and present and many others with a connection to North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust – all set against a sea of NHS blue.
Some of the images were taken by Chris between 1974 and 1986 when he worked as an A&E porter at the then Peterborough District Hospital (PDH). More followed during his role as a paramedic.
The mural - which is also dedicated to the memory of Chris’ late wife Lesley - is based on his book ‘Just Be Kind’. It has been a year in the making, and was funded through a lottery grant.
Chris said: “Special thanks to my good friend Chris Lane,
an incredibly talented local graphic designer, who has used my photographs to transform what was a long boring white corridor into a sea of NHS blue.
Chris added: “The mural is a tribute and shows gratitude
to all our dedicated staff from all over the world who, at great personal sacrifice, got us through the pandemic. Their continued hard work, exemplary and compassionate care depicts the NHS at its very best.”
Chris presented a cheque for £1,500 from his photography book sales to Lesley's oncologist Dr Karen McAdam and her team. Half of the money raised will go to local breast cancer clinical trials and to the PCH oncology day unit.
North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive Officer Caroline Walker attended the official unveiling.
Caroline said: “My huge thanks to everyone who has helped to make this possible, including the extremely talented Chris Porsz who has not only captured 40 years of healthcare in Peterborough hospitals but reveals his love for his colleagues and the people they care for.”