Nightingale’s Rainbow takes shape
Today, after a year in the planning, saw the installation of the main steel which will form the central structure of Nightingale’s Rainbow at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury. At 5.5 metres tall and 8.3m wide the Rainbow will be largest permanent tribute to the Covid-19 response in the country.
“Over the last 18 months health and social care colleagues across Buckinghamshire have gone above and beyond to ensure care was still provided for those who needed it most. It is an honour to host this fitting tribute on our hospital site to recognise all the sacrifices our colleagues have made and to remember all those whom we have lost,” says Neil Macdonald, Chief Executive of Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.
Over the coming weeks the steel arch will be covered in thousands of coloured tiles to form a Rainbow, and everyone is invited to dedicate a Rainbow Tile to someone who supported them or their local community through the pandemic .
“Nightingale’s Rainbow is a symbol of hope, resilience and kindness in difficult times. We hope that it will remind staff across Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust of how much we appreciate their care and resilience at the darkest of times and will give patients and visitors at the Hospital hope and strength when they need it most,” says Jo Turner, CEO of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity.
The final part of the project to be completed this autumn will be the landscaping around the structure which is being sponsored by Aylesbury Garden Town and will include local schools and community groups in the planting.
Cllr Gareth Williams, Chairman of the Aylesbury Garden Town Strategic Oversight Board, commented, ‘We’re delighted to be supporting this very special tribute to NHS staff and keyworkers and want to ensure that the local community plays a part in the creation of the garden around the Nightingale’s Rainbow, to reflect the incredible community spirit that has come through, in this challenging time.’
The construction of Nightingale’s Rainbow is being funded by local organisations and private individuals, meaning all the proceeds from the sale of Rainbow Tiles will be split between Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity and the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Charitable Fund to support local healthcare.
You can get find out more about Nightingale’s Rainbow and how to dedicate a Rainbow Tile at www.nightingalesrainbow.org.uk
