A MEMORIAL acknowledging the impact of the pandemic in the region has been placed in the grounds of Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary.
For more than a year now staff at Dumfries hospital have worked to save lives and curb the spread of coronavirus.
Now local community group The People’s Project have paid tribute to their efforts by donating a ‘wishing well’ and bench, which were sited at DGRI last week.
The specially-commissioned wooden sculpture serves to remind staff, patients and vistors of all that has been lost to the pandemic in Dumfries and Galloway and around the world over the past 12 months.
The People’s Project put the idea of a memorial to the local health board around a year ago soon after the country entered lockdown.
The organisation then teamed-up with NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Arts Strategy Delivery Group (ASDG) to brainstorm ideas and agreed on the well as a fitting symbol of remembrance.
Mark Jardine, founder of The People’s Project, said: “It is widely acknowledged that access to green spaces and being at one with nature is therapeutic and can aid the healing process.
“It is hoped that the largely unknown area at the rear of the hospital can boost the mental and physical health of staff and patients alike, and with the symbolic as a destination – acting as a focus for many people whose wishes may come true.”
Chair of the ASDG Marsali Caig added: “This generous gift from The People’s Project is a wonderful addition to the beautiful grounds surrounding the hospital.
“We know that having access to green space can make a difference to the wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors.
“The wishing well and accompanying squirrel bench are perfect in their semi-woodland setting and I’m sure they’ll offer visitors a quiet, natural reflective space.
“Our thanks go to The People’s Project for thinking of the local NHS after such a challenging year.”
