Saturday 21 December 2024
Salisbury District Hospital today unveiled its new 'The Gift of Life' sculpture, commissioned in honour of the 'most special gift' given by local organ donors and their families.
Lucinda Herklots Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Governor, and Chair of the Organ Donation Committee said:
“This statue is a beautiful way to remember the gift of life given by organ donation.
"Right now across the UK, there are roughly 6,000 people in need of an organ transplant, including around 150 children and teenagers. On average, three will die every day, because there just aren’t enough organ donors.
"On 20 May 2020 the Organ Donation (Deemed Consent) Act 2019, known as Max and Keira’s Law, came into force in England. Under the new law, all adults in England will be considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die, unless they have recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups. It is important to understand that the choice still lies with the individual, and the public are urged to discuss their wishes with their family, and register them at www.organdonation.nhs.uk.
"It can be incredibly distressing for a family having to face a decision about donation, without knowing their loved ones intentions. Save them the uncertainty; record your choice online, and with them.”
The artwork, created by Hospital Art Studio, features a kaleidoscope of butterflies in bronze that appear to be fluttering and gathering into the shape of a heart. It is a symbol of metamorphosis, and evokes a positive image of the transformation donor recipient’s experience.
A video is available here:
11 September 2020
Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
