Reading town centre mural recognises the work of nurses
Specifically the dedication of Sue Ryder nurses
A new mural which recognises the work of Sue Ryder nurses has been unveiled in Reading town centre.
Painted onto the side of The Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading, the mural includes heart-warming words and phrases shared by patients and their families.
The mural, which will remain on The Oracle over the summer, has been commissioned as Sue Ryder shares new data outlining the scale of palliative care provided by their nurses and care teams across Reading, Newbury, Wokingham and South Oxfordshire.
The design has been created by local Oxfordshire artist, Saroj Patel. Known for her organic and bright artwork, Saroj’s mural features words such as ‘compassion,’ ‘kindness’, ‘devotion’ and’ selfless’, all words used to describe the Sue Ryder Nurses by the relatives of patients who Sue Ryder cared for at the end of their life.
The mural also shows how the 73 Sue Ryder Nurses working across the area are recognised for treating loved ones with ‘dignity and respect’ and support families ‘through day and night’.
In 2022 alone, Sue Ryder Nurses delivered their expert and compassionate care across 4,105 shifts in the Sue Ryder hospice in Reading and 16,410 visits to people’s homes, care homes and hospitals across the region.
Louise Lucio, Service Director at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice and Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire says:
“Growing up in Reading I have always been aware of Sue Ryder and the incredible support the Sue Ryder Nurses provide. It therefore feels special to unveil a mural which shows the tremendous gratitude of the local community to our wonderful nurses.
Palliative care nursing is a rewarding career and the words in this mural demonstrate the depth and strength of feeling families who have experienced our care have for our Sue Ryder Nurses. We encourage you to visit the mural, reflect and find out more about how we can be there to support you and your family when it matters.”
Mark Sturgess, whose brother James was cared for at the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading says:
“The Sue Ryder Nurses really couldn’t do enough for James. All the staff do their jobs to an amazing standard but at the same time, they have that extra human touch.
James actually passed away on my daughter’s birthday and that morning the nurses organised for a cake to be brought in so he could sing happy birthday to her with us. That always sticks in my mind as they went that extra mile and helped him to have that special memory on his final day.”