Two new wall artworks have been unveiled at Tameside General Hospital.
Designed by Hospital Art Studio, the first installation was commissioned in memory of Alexis Karran, a member of staff from the radiology department who lost her life, and is helping to encourage people to become organ donors.
Taking inspiration from a Rowan tree, native birds sit among a sphere of foliage and berries that encompasses a tribute to Karran.
Trish Cavanagh, deputy chief executive at Tameside General Hospital, said: “It is hoped the artwork will inspire conversations and encourage people to think more deeply about organ and tissue donation.
“It captures a sense of life and hopefulness in the design and is a fitting tribute to the patients and their families who, despite their loss, were able to support others.”
Tony van de Bospoort, director of Hospital Art Studio, added: “We were commissioned to conceive a fitting and bespoke memorial to a much-loved member of the radiology department – ‘the face of radiology’ – who tragically lost her life too soon.
“We were informed that she was a lover of nature and a loyal member of the British Society for Birds.
“Instead of a traditional plaque containing a few words, we have taken the concept to another level by creating a unique piece of artwork, a fitting tribute to someone whose loss to the department is too vast to quantify.”
The studio has also worked with Tameside & Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust to develop a second piece of artwork – The Gift of Life – which commemorates patients who have been cared for on the hospital’s Critical Care Unit and their families, who upheld the wishes of their loved ones to become organ and tissue donors.
The artwork features natural elements which symbolise regeneration and rebirth, creating a lasting tribute to everyone that has supported the trust’s organ donation campaign.
The branches of the apple tree are bursting with springtime blossom and, over time, the names of organ and tissue donors will be added to each flower as a way to say ‘you are not forgotten and thank you’.
The Gift of Life pays tribute to those who have donated organs to save lives