If a picture is worth a thousand words then they are all thank yous when it comes to this painting gifted to the staff of Morriston Hospital.

The stunning artwork was created by talented Bishop Vaughan Catholic School sixth former Emily Paradice-Ruan in a bid to thank key workers for the role they played during the heights of the pandemic.

The thoughtful gesture is particularly relevant as the Morriston-based school operated as a childcare facility for key workers during lockdowns with many of those who passed through its gates having parents who worked in the hospital.

Emily, who has depicted the various roles carried out by NHS staff in her painting, enlisted the help of dozens of primary school pupils by getting them to leave their fingerprints in a large rainbow which makes up the background.

Emma Pole, head teacher at Bishop Vaughan, said: “We have very close links to the hospital due to the fact a number of our children have parents working there. We knew what they were going through and we wanted to present it and to say thank you.

“It’s intended to reflect the many roles which the health care sector were fulfilling during the pandemic and the fact that they were putting their lives on the line for us every day. They were certainly experiencing tougher and bleaker times than any of us could ever have imagined.”

Mrs Pole explained that the artist, who was very keen for the hospital to have the painting, had ensured as many pupils as possible had a hand in the work.

“As a school we were closed during lockdown but open as an emergency childcare setting, welcoming the children of those key workers each day.

“Those children contributed to the picture. The painting was something that Emily did in her own time and she came into school to do it in that childcare phase, with the children.

“Emily carefully formulated it so she painted key workers and those in different careers in the foreground with a rainbow in the back, as the symbol of the pandemic, and within it are the fingerprints of the key workers’ children.”

The painting was presented to the hospital by the school’s head girl and boy, Lauren Powell and Lloyd Thomas, as Emily is away at university.

Lloyd, as aged 17, said: “It’s quite special given everything that’s happened over the last couple of years. We are tremendously thankful for our key workers here at Morriston Hospital.

“This repays only a fraction of our gratitude for all the work they do here, we’d like to do a lot more. We just hope that this picture is a nice symbol of saying thank you.”

While 16-year-old Lauren added: “We just wanted to thank everyone for the incredible effort made by the Morriston team during the pandemic.

“I’m really grateful that we could show how thankful we are for all the key workers who risked their families and themselves during the pandemic. They are all just so amazing.

“I’m really glad I was able to see their reaction to the painting. I’m glad they liked it.

“I think it’s really special that the key workers’ children have their fingerprints in there because it shows how everyone was affected, and how we can all group together in times of need.”

The painting will be hung in the hospital’s main corridor, alongside a plaque noting the artist and school, so it is visible to all visitors.

Carol Doggett, Interim Director of Nursing at Morriston Hospital, said: “It’s an honour to accept this artwork on behalf of all the staff here.

“It truly recognises the journey we have been on over the last two years. I think it will go a long way towards helping us look at that and reflect on that journey, and consider how we move forward.

“The children have really captured the emotional response from the public during the times that we have had the waves of Covid that we have experienced and managed.

“Removing the wrapping off the package was very emotional. We didn’t know what to expect and were so pleasantly surprised.”

Lead image: Bishop Vaughan pupils Lloyd Thomas and Lauren Powell with the painting donated to Morriston Hospital. (Image: Swansea Bay NHS)

South Wales Police are appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic accident in Cwmrhydyceirw yesterday evening (Tuesday 3 May).

The incident involving a white Kawasaki ZX900 and a black Audi A3 took place at around 7.25pm on Heol Maes Eglwys close to Morriston Hospital.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “Despite the best efforts of attending emergency services the 26 year old male rider of the motorcycle died at scene.

“The road was closed for a number of hours whilst investigation work was carried out.

“We would like to speak with any witnesses to the collision, any person who may have dash camera footage of the incident or anyone who witnessed the manner of driving of any of the vehicles prior to the collision.

“Please could witnesses contact the Roads Policing unit on 101 quoting occurrence 2200146630.”

(Lead image: Google Maps)

A Swansea Bay assessment unit, for people with learning disabilities, has improved its facilities thanks to a new summer house.

The addition, built in the grounds of Llwyneryr Learning Disabilities Unit in Morriston, offers patients a space for time away from the main hub to relax and meet families.

The project has been financed by the health board’s Swansea Bay Health Charity.

Sian Dolling, Directorate Manager of Swansea Learning Disabilities, said the new space would make a huge difference to the acute admissions unit that provides short term patient assessment and intervention services for adults with learning disabilities.

Sian, who wanted to thank the charitable funds team for its support, said: “The service has eight bedrooms with one lounge, and several smaller rooms, but no other areas on the ward where the patients can go to.

“Having a summer house, which they can use all year round, is going to make a huge difference.

“It can give patients time and space away from others in the unit. Because it’s an assessment and admissions unit, the patients may not always get on so getting out of the lounge area, from time to time, is quite important.

“It’s basically a sitting room in which they can do activities, such as drawing and colouring, and also a place where they can have family visits. It’s a much nicer environment during the day and evening times for themselves and family visits.”

The construction work was carried out by local firm BAPTT Ltd over the course of last month.

Sian said: “BAPTT were brilliant in terms of working under Covid restrictions – they were able to carry on working because it is outside. The work has been completed really quickly and the workmen, have been fantastic.

“We have quite a large garden and the area it has been built on was quite boggy and not really used much before.”

Rebecca Thomas, unit manager, said: “The staff, including Mathew Knight and Lucian Scutea, who were pertinent in getting the project through, all agree how much of a difference having this as a separate space is going to make.”

Deborah Longman, Head of Fundraising, said: “The past few years have really taught us the importance of focussing on well-being.

“Using the generous donations we have received from the public really allows us to focus on innovations which enhance the care we can provide our patients.

“This summer house is a magnificent addition to the Llwyneryr Learning Disabilities service, and will allow patients to spend time away from a ward environment, which has proven well-being benefits.”

Lead image: Staff member Matthew Knight outside the new summer house (Image:Swansea Bay NHS)