AN NHS consultant is among those immortalised in a unique art project.

During the Covid pandemic in 2020, contemporary artist Mike Edwards joined the Portraits For NHS Heroes project. 

Artists offered to paint NHS workers’ portraits as a gift and token of gratitude.

One of the subjects was respiratory consultant Thomas Medveczky.

Mike, who lives in Brighton, said: “The fact that he was one of the first to treat Covid-19 patients in the country and that he had such a powerful story to tell made him the perfect subject for this portrait.

“I thought the pandemic was such a unique moment in history, and the compelling experiences and stories of the NHS workers were so profound and needed to be captured for posterity.”

The Argus: Thomas says Mike did an incredible act of kindnessThomas says Mike did an incredible act of kindness (Image: Mike Edwards)

The portrait was created using a technique Mike has developed, creating portraits solely from readable text. The piece is presented as a story up close, however further away, the writing merges to create a visual image.

Thomas’s words have been used in it, describing his experience on the frontline of the pandemic. During that time he worked at Epsom and St Helier NHS trust in London. In August this year he joined Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust.

Thomas said of the portrait: “It is a humbling reminder of what I did and where I was during the pandemic. I see it as a symbol I can pass on to my children, to remind them of what their father did in time of great need and global emergency”

He was a doctor on Covid wards throughout the pandemic, treating thousands of patients.

He said: “Almost overnight I had to reorganise a 300-bed hospital, create safe zones and wards for Covid-19, train staff and support my team both in a clinical capacity but also pastoral.

“Of course, every day going to work there was the thought of contracting Covid-19 and potentially dying as well, but I took the view that one has to do his duty and do my job that I can do best.”

A spokesman for Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust said: "Thomas experienced the true impact and sacrifices made by NHS staff. The portrait is a powerful representation of a doctor on the frontline of the pandemic."