MechFS, a mechanical and electrical engineering firm based in Doncaster, have donated £5,000 to the ‘Rainbow Garden Appeal’ to help set-up to create two gardens, one at Doncaster Royal Infirmary and one at Bassetlaw Hospital. The gardens will be in memory of the 232 people who have sadly lost their lives to Covid-19 at the Trust, including two colleagues, Kevin Smith and Dr Medhat Atalla, and will be a place for families, and colleagues, to go to reflect and remember.
Paul Sutherland, CEO of MechFS, said: “When we heard about the DBTH Memorial Rainbow Garden Appeal, we didn’t hesitate in offering a donation. As we all face these challenging times, especially those who are experiencing the loss of colleagues, friends and loved ones, the idea of creating a calm and peaceful place to remember those who have been lost, is something we were very keen to support. The MechFS team continues to be inspired by the dedication and bravery demonstrated by all of those working within the NHS and we hope the Rainbow Gardens can provide some comfort in memory of those colleagues and patients that have lost their lives”.
MechFS also supported the Trust during the height of the pandemic ensuring staff benefitted from hot meals during their shifts and paid for the ‘Big Yellow Bus’ to come onsite providing a whopping 8,000 meals over a three week period.
Paul Haslam, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and friend of both Kevin Smith and Dr Atalla, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Paul and Natalie Sutherland for their continued support which benefits both our colleagues and local families. Getting outside and enjoying a garden can have such a positive impact on our health and wellbeing and there has never been a more important time to look after our colleagues who are working tirelessly in the fight against coronavirus.”
Work on the garden at Bassetlaw Hospital begins on 16 September and has been designed by Worksop company JP Fox landscaping. The garden at Doncaster Royal Infirmary will start soon after this date.
To find out more information about the project go to: https://www.dbth.nhs.uk/charity/rainbow-gardens/