A stunning rainbow sculpture made of steel and hundreds of colourful glass hearts has been officially unveiled on 23rd October at the entrance to Russells Hall Hospital.

This monument has been erected to serve as a permanent reminder of all those lost during the COVID-19 Pandemic, as well as serving as a tribute to the bravery and dedication of frontline the Dudley Group Foundation NHS Trust staff, healthcare professionals, key workers and volunteers across Dudley.

The artwork, designed by renowned local artist Steve Field, reflects the rainbows seen throughout the pandemic, and stands as a powerful symbol of hope, courage and community spirit, values that defined the borough’s response to the pandemic.

The project was started in 2020 by Councillor Keiran Casey, following his motion to Dudley Council to award Freedom of the Borough to frontline staff and Key Workers, in recognition of their service during the pandemic, the highest honour the council can bestow.

Councillor Casey led the initiative to ensure that in addition to the recognition bestowed by the council, that Dudley had a lasting monument outside the hospital to mark the extraordinary efforts of those who worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic from a range of sectors and roles.

The rainbow sculpture has been made possible thanks to generous donations from a range of local organisations and businesses, from Dudley, as well as the wider West Midlands and UK, including; Mitie, Rosscomm, National Express, University of Wolverhampton, B and F Flooring Ltd, Summit Healthcare, Green Square Accord, RMF Group, Midtherm Laser, The Saleem Foundation, local Labour Party, Dudley College, National Infrastructure Solutions, Black Country Housing Group, Dudley Building Society, Barratt Redrow, Netcom, University of Birmingham, Arts of Change Dudley, Sanctuary Housing Group, Doocey Group, South Staffs Water, Tipton and Coseley Building Society, Taylor Wimpey, Western Power, Travis Perkins, EH Smith, Dudley Trades Union Council, LITE, Stonewater Housing Association, Signs Now and Dudley Council.

The Dudley Group NHS Charity has worked closely with Councillor Casey to bring the project to life and organise the unveiling ceremony which featured speeches from chair of the Trust Sir David Nicholson, Councillor Casey, and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Stewart Towe CBE, followed by a ribbon-cutting with special guests including Diane Wake chief executive of Trust and the Mayor of Dudley, Councillor Peter Lee.

Chief executive Diane Wake said “We are proud to have this beautiful sculpture at Russells Hall Hospital. It reflects the strength, resilience and care shown by our staff and partners throughout the pandemic and beyond. We’re delighted to share this special moment with the community.”

Councillor Keiran Casey said, “I hope this monument is something which allows us all to remember those lost during the pandemic, pay tribute to the incredible courage, compassion and unity shown by our NHS, healthcare and key workers during such unprecedented times, and act as a wider symbol of hope for our borough.”

If you would like to know more about the charity and fundraising opportunities, please visit www.dgnhscharity.org.