Tribute to Sister Dora unveiled

An £18,000 glass sculpture has been unveiled as a permanent tribute to heroic nurse Sister Dora and her good works in the Black Country.

The 7ft sculpture, which has been named the Spirit of Sister Dora, is in the new main entrance area of Walsall Manor Hospital in Pleck Road.

Earlier this year, Skanska, who constructed the new hospital, gave a donation to commission sculptor Steve Yeates to create the statue.

It was made from recycled glass taken from windows of the recently demolished east wing.

It is intended to act as a reminder of the hospital's heritage and the energy, dedication and spirit of care provided to the people of Walsall — values closely associated with the work of Sister Dora.

Hospital staff, patients and members of the community gathered for the unveiling ceremony, which involved readings by community faith leaders before hospital nurse director Sue Hartley untied the ribbon around the sculpture.

She said: "We are delighted to have such a wonderful piece of art displayed in our main entrance, especially as it's of Sister Dora, who really was a remarkable nurse and is an iconic figure to the staff at the Manor and the people of Walsall.

"The artist has done a brilliant job in capturing the essence of Sister Dora and it will be a reminder to all who pass through the doors of our new hospital, of all that Sister Dora stood for when she worked so hard and with endless compassion here in Walsall."

The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Gary Clarke also joined the ceremony and thanked the London sculptor, adding that the spirit of Sister Dora was alive across the borough.