Designs revealed for Dudley NHS monument plan

Councillors in Dudley are mulling over two designs for permanent monuments in the borough, which would recognise the work of NHS and healthcare staff, key workers and community volunteers.

One is in the shape of a rainbow – the iconic symbol of hope and light which has become synonymous with the pandemic – and would potentially be located outside the borough's main hospital at Russells Hall.

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It is planned to have part of the rainbow made up of a number of glass hearts, with people invited to sponsor or purchase a heart on the monument which could be personalised with a special message of thanks.

The second idea under consideration is for columns to be placed in each of the main town centres, forming part of a 'trail' through the borough.

The columns would depict a range of scenes including doctors and nurses at work, and the weekly clap for carers. Both designs have been created by Dudley artist Steve Field.

Councillor Keiran Casey, who put forward the idea with Dudley Council's Labour group, said: "I think these ideas really do capture the thanks and appreciation that we all want to give to everyone that has done so much for us during this difficult time, not only those on the frontline who we owe so much to in our hospitals and care homes, but those right up and down the borough and country who have worked tirelessly in the community, kept our supermarkets open and stocked, our streets safe and clean and our bins emptied, to mention just a few.

"I'd like to hear what local people think about these designs as this is something that I would hope everyone would want to be involved in to really show how thankful we are and to ensure that we have a lasting legacy in our borough showing our appreciation."

Plans to give healthcare staff the Freedom of the Borough are due to be signed off at a council meeting next month.