Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Chairman, Ian Johnson, centre and Chief Executive, Wendy Swift, with members of the Trust’s Organ Donation Committee at the cutting of the first sod for the new artwork
A new piece of artwork is to be installed at Blackpool Victoria Hospital to remember people across the Fylde coast who have been involved in organ donation.
The design of the artwork is secret at the moment but is set to be in place by the end of the year.
The first sod was cut this week in a ceremony performed by the Chairman of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Ian Johnson, and Jo Haythornthwaite, a Lytham lady who donated her husband’s organs after his death nine years ago.
Jo, who chairs the Organ Donation Committee at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to cut the first sod for what will be an exciting development for everyone and bring a dream to its reality.
“Our intention is that this piece will recognise and pay tribute both to all those who have died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and gone on to save and improve others’ lives across the country, and also to their courageous families who felt able to support the giving of this amazing gift.
“The artwork will be something people can admire but also a place where people can reflect on their loved ones.’’
Mr Johnson said: “It is fitting that we cut the first sod on this development in organ donation week and I am looking forward to it being in place for us all to see.’’
Lee Coulthard, the Trust’s Organ Donation Specialist Nurse, said: “The Trust receives funding from NHS Blood and Transplant to support the possibility of both organ donation and to provide further education and training relating to organ donation.
“In recognition of these amazing gifts of life saving organs, some of this money has been used to say thank you to those that have donated at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals and to continue to encourage other people to be organ donors.’’