WEDNESDAY, 24 NOVEMBER, 2021

Photograph attached:Front – Peter and Ethel Wood. Back - Emma Jane Wells and Lorna Birse-Stewart

Rainbow benches arrive at Ninewells

Three rainbow benches have been donated to Ninewells Hospital by local engineer Peter Wood and his wife, Ethel as a thank you to staff for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The benches incorporate three features, each with their own special meaning for staff. The angel’s wings are to mark their compassion and hard work. The heart is to honour the support and dedication of staff, and the rainbow is to provide hope to the people of Tayside affected by the pandemic.

Peter said, “Like so many, I was safe at home, but watched the pandemic unfold through TV bulletins and news programmes. Despite the impact the pandemic was having on staff, they remained compassionate and composed and gave those in their care the attention they needed.

“I wanted to find a way to help. I’m a fabricating engineer to trade, so I thought what better way to help than by creating something that can help them to relax and recharge.

“I designed a symbolic bench and was delighted that NHS Tayside agreed to have it installed at Ninewells Hospital. I have been constructing the installation since early 2021 and have never enjoyed making anything so much as making this gift for NHS Tayside staff. I am grateful to numerous people who have helped me make this design the reality it is now.”

Chair of Tayside NHS Board, Lorna Birse-Stewart said, “We are immensely grateful to Mr and Mrs Wood for their kind donation and the contribution they have made in appreciation of our staff.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome the three rainbow benches which will be placed around the Ninewells Hospital site where they will be a welcome addition and I am sure they will be appreciated by staff for years to come.”

The ground foundation work and an accompanying commemorative tree have been funded by Tayside Health Fund.

Chair of the Tayside Health Fund, Emma Jane Wells said, “We are delighted to be able to support the installation of these benches, which are a very kind and thoughtful donation to the extremely hard-working NHS Tayside staff, and will be enjoyed by many.

“We would like to thank Mr Wood wholeheartedly for his donation.”

The benches were manufactured by Shandwood Eng Ltd in Forfar and paintwork was kindly donated by Tayside Powder Coating Services in Dundee.

Contact:

Cara Longmuir

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740716