NHS Rainbow installation given the go ahead
Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity and Bucks NHS celebrate the announcement on the new Nightingale’s Rainbow roundabout at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Image includes Vicky Harman and Jo Turner from Florence Nightingale Hospice, Florrie Bear and Rommel Tanales, Senior Staff Nurse in Stoke Mandeville Hospice ICU
A new sculptural installation which pays tribute to the resilience of the NHS and the people of Buckinghamshire through the Covid-19 crisis has been given the go ahead by the council this week.
Nightingale’s Rainbow will stand 6.5 metres tall on the roundabout at the A&E entrance to Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury and will consist of an arch covered with thousand of tiles in rainbow colours, reflecting the symbol which has become synonymous with the public recognition for the tireless work of healthcare staff during the crisis.
Trust Chief Executive Neil Macdonald said: “It will be an honour to have Nightingale’s Rainbow installed at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. This has been the toughest year in the history of the NHS and the installation will be a tribute to the hard work and sacrifices made by those working in health and social care across Buckinghamshire.”
The construction of Nightingale’s Rainbow is being funded by local organisations including acar2go, Aylesbury Town Council, Buckinghamshire Freemasons, Dell Motors, Human Engine, McCormick, QMP and Sodexo. Work is expected to begin on the site after winter with the Rainbow in place by Spring 2021.
The installation will also be the focal point for the Nightingale’s Rainbow Appeal which will raise money for Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity and Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Charitable Fund through the sponsorship of Rainbow Tiles.
“We are so pleased to be involved in this project and would like to thank all the organisations who have helped make the construction of Nightingale’s Rainbow possible, “ says Jo Turner, CEO of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. “Our fundraising income has been severely impacted this year and demand for our services is expected to increase this winter. The Nightingale’s Rainbow Appeal gives our community the opportunity to support healthcare in their area, and be part of this amazing new Aylesbury landmark.’
You can find out more and donate online at fnhospice.org.uk/nightingales-rainbow