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Friday 24 May 2024

Permanent memorials have been unveiled across Worcestershire’s hospitals to remember patients and staff who sadly lost their lives during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The memorials at the Alexandra, Kidderminster and Worcestershire Royal Hospitals were unveiled last week at special dedication ceremonies at each site led by the hospital chaplains. Colleagues and friends come together for a moment of reflection, remembering the lives that were lost and celebrating the lives that were saved by the nurses, doctors and wider staff at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. 

The steel memorials featuring butterflies and the inscription “Leaves may fall from the tree, but from the branches, butterflies soar to a higher yet more beautiful place” have been funded by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity. The project has been supported by Bromsgrove based design company Iguana Group, who have donated their time and expertise in bringing together the designs and construction, and Yamazaki Mazak, with their European headquarters in Worcester, who have generously donated materials and laser cut the butterfly design in recognition of the contribution of Trust staff during the pandemic.

Stephen Collman, Managing Director at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, 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.