Artist's thank you to health board is picture perfect

An artist’s impression symbolising the efforts of health staff during the pandemic is hanging proudly in Singleton Hospital.

Craig Jones, an artist from Mumbles, wanted to recognise the work of Swansea Bay UHB staff throughout the pandemic in his own creative way.

By combining his love of art and design, he designed a special framed print in recognition of the care his family and friends have received from the hospital.

He placed “Thank You NHS” wording and the iconic rainbow colours onto an image of the hospital taken during the early stages of the pandemic.

PICTURED: Craig Jones presented his framed print to Jan Worthing, Group Director of Neath Port Talbot and Singleton Hospitals.

Craig, who has two relatives working for the health board, donated the gift to Singleton Hospital. It is now proudly displayed on a corridor leading from the main foyer to the x-ray department.

He said: “Everyone has shown thanks in many ways, but for me as an artist I thought donating a piece of work would be more creative and powerful.

“I live really close to the hospital, so I often cycle past. During the pandemic I saw the colourful lights illuminate the building and thought it would make the perfect setting for a print. I added the rainbow colours, which have been an iconic symbol of hope, along with the wording so it was a perfect combination.

“The artwork is a way of me saying thank you, especially during the pandemic where the challenges were even greater. It was important for me to show my gratitude to Swansea Bay University Health Board for all their crucial work during that time.

“I wanted to donate the artwork as my family all work for the emergency services. In particular my brother and sister-in-law, who work for the NHS in Swansea.

“Singleton is a special place to me as it's where many of my family and friends have been treated in the past so I will be forever thankful for the services provided. The friendly staff and duty of care was lovely to see.

“Knowing the framed print will be on display within the hospital is very humbling. I hope that it will continue to spread the good vibes surrounding the NHS and further highlight all the good work that's being done.”

Jan Worthing, Group Director of Neath Port Talbot and Singleton Hospitals, met Craig to receive the print on behalf of the hospital.

PICTURED: The photo of Singleton Hospital which inspired Craig's idea.

She said: “It’s really nice for a member of the public to recognise the good work our hospitals have been doing during the pandemic.

“It has been a very difficult period. We sadly lost a number of staff in that time, which had a massive impact on our teams.

“So for Craig to donate this framed print is a big boost for staff morale as it’s a special gift.

“It has pride of place within Singleton as it is a positive reminder of the work our staff put in – and continue to put in - during that incredibly challenging time.”