Hospital sculpture damaged
A sculpture created as a lasting legacy to the former Rainbow Unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital has been damaged.
The sculpture, which shows a boy and girl holding hands under a rainbow-coloured umbrella, was unveiled at the main hospital entrance last month.
The unit cared for children’s cancer and haematology patients but closed when these services moved over to the new Shropshire Women and Children’s Centre at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford in September.
The sculpture is a lasting physical legacy to remember and celebrate the former unit and was designed by the Rainbow Legacy Task Group, which includes patients, families and staff from the unit.
However, over the last few days the sculpture has become damaged, with the right arm of the boy figure becoming cracked. It is not known how the damage was caused and staff are asking for anyone with any information to get in touch.
Kate Shaw, Programme Manager for the Future Configuration of Hospital Services, said: “It is very sad to see that the sculpture has become damaged.
“Staff at Alchemy 3DC, who created the sculpture, are mystified at how it has come to be damaged. The sculpture is made from robust material used for constructing boats which is designed to withstand storms and bad weather, so it does not damage easily.
“Alchemy 3DC will be replacing the arm free of charge. A new arm is being created now and will be replaced in the New Year.
“In the meantime, we have decided to protect the damaged arm with help from our colleagues from Malling Health at the Shropshire Urgent Care Centre. The team routinely treat minor illnesses and injuries and were happy to help with a bandage on the little boys arm.”
Anybody who has any information about how the sculpture came to be damaged is asked to email communications@sath.nhs.uk
