Sister Dora statue has new Walsall home

She dedicated her life to caring for dozens of patients and was ever present in times of tragedy, now a statue of Sister Dora has been given a fitting new home.

A refurbished plaster cast model of the nursing heroine has been dedicated at a ceremony at Walsall Manor Hospital's new buildings created as part of its £174 million transformation. It has been given to the hospital after bosses suggested it would be a more appropriate place for it.

It was previously in the foyer of the Council House in Lichfield Street. The white monument is now on display in the North Avenue of the family diagnostic centre near the hospital's new main entrance, in Pleck Road, and was unveiled in a ceremony at the weekend.

Sister Dora was born Dorothy Wyndlow Pattison in Yorkshire. She arrived in Walsall in 1865 where she was adopted by townspeople following a series of disasters where she nursed those in need and became known for her care and compassion.

She looked after relatives of victims of the Pelsall mining disaster in 1872, in which 22 men and boys were killed, and 13 survived.

When she died in 1878 thousands lined Bridge Street in the town centre to pay their respects.

The plaster model has been in the council's ownership since it was offered to Walsall by the daughter of FJ Williamson, the sculptor of the bronze Sister Dora statue that stands on The Bridge in the town centre.

In November 1948 the council agreed that it could take up residence at the former Walsall General Hospital, in Wednesbury Road. It remained there until around 1974 when it was restored and installed in the foyer of the Council House.

The refurbished statue was officially welcomed at dedicated at a ceremony attended by hospital staff, including Walsall deputy mayor Councillor Garry Perry and deputy mayoress June Perry.

Annabel Smith communications manager at the hospital, said: "The Sister Dora statue was moved to the hospital in May when we opened the family diagnostic centre.

"She has had some refurbishment work and we've put her in a special glass box.

"Yesterday was about a special dedication, she means a lot to the hospital and especially the nurses."

By Deborah Stewart