PERMANENT memorials have been unveiled at hospitals across Worcestershire to remember the patients and staff who died during the Covid pandemic.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust employees came together for the special dedication ceremonies at each site, including Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital, the Worcestershire Royal in Worcester and Kidderminster Hospital.
The unveilings provided a moment of reflection and the chance to remember those who had been lost and to celebrate the lives saved by doctors, nurses and wider staff. The steel memorials, funded by the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, feature butterflies and the inscription: ‘Leaves may fall from the tree, but from the branches, butterflies soar to a higher yet more beautiful place’.
The project has been supported by Bromsgrove-based design company Iguana Group, which donated its time and expertise in bringing together the designs and construction, and Yamazaki Mazak, who have their European headquarters in Worcester. They generously donated materials and laser cut the butterfly design in recognition of the contribution of trust staff during the pandemic.
Stephen Collman, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust managing director, said: “These beautiful memorials will provide a place for patients, staff, and visitors to reflect, remember and celebrate those we tragically lost during the Covid pandemic.
“I would like to thank our trust’s charity, chaplains, staff, and organisations involved for their support in their development and installation.”
David Ryan, chaplain at the trust, said: “As many people will see and reflect on this beautiful memorial, it is here to evoke in us many thoughts and emotions, including remembrance, thanksgiving, unity, and hope.”
The design of the permanent memorials, was inspired by temporary memorials previously installed across all sites.
Sophie Burt, head of fundraising and community engagement at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity, said: “We are very proud to support this important project and we hope they will provide a fitting tribute to that difficult time. We are hugely grateful to our community partners for their support in designing and producing them and a big thank you to our chaplaincy team for providing the lovely quote engraved on each.”
Further support was provided by Pinnegar Hayward Design to ensure the memorials could be safely installed across all sites.
The memorials are located in the courtyard area outside Rivercourt Restaurant at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and outside the front door at the Alexandra and Kidderminster hospitals.
