Royal helps mark Dr Gray's 200 years
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THE Dr Gray's Hospital bell chimed this week – for the first time since the 1960s – as the Princess Royal visited Elgin to mark the hospital's 200 years.
A crowd gathered as Gordonstoun pupils' pipe band greeted the princess at the hospital's main entrance on a bright Monday afternoon. The royal visitor chatted with band members before meeting NHS staff, patients and Friends of Dr Gray's Hospital, being shown archives and meeting patients and staff of Wards 5 and 6.
Princess Anne's first stop was to unveil a mosaic depicting the classical Dr Gray's building which now takes pride of place in the hospital foyer. The detailed artwork features its signature Doric columns, dome and clock, with a foreground of cherry trees in blossom.
The artwork was inspired by senior staff nurse in orthopaedics Kenny McKenna – who funded the mosaic. The Elgin man decided to forego 50th birthday gifts and instead asked his birthday party-goers to donate cash towards his fundraiser. He then pitched his mosaic idea to the Friends group and commissioned Lhanbryde artist Jo Adam to create the image of the hospital building "as a dedication to staff past, present and future".
Artist Mrs Adam used recycled material to create the mosaic, using old bathroom tiles, Italian stained glass and an old watch face for the hospital clock. The Friends group is currently aiming to raise £60,000 to replace Dr Gray's clock, and has so far notched up £15,000.
Mrs Adam said: "Kenny commissioned me to make the mosaic to help mark the hospital's 200 years. He actually outlined the idea on the back of a napkin.
"When I was asked to create this mosaic I had no idea it would turn out to be for something so prestigious."
Mr McKenna was delighted with the end result – and the princess expressed her appreciation of the special effort. Mr McKenna has a history of novel fundraising efforts – previously coming up with the idea of marathon hospital bed-making sessions as a way to boost funds.
The royal visitor was impressed by the Friends website set up by retired former consultant Dr Ken Brown, which was launched in January, as she was guided through hospital archives.
The princess was shown the Jack Miller day room on Ward 5, a mixed surgical ward, which was refurbished with cash donated by Bill Robertson, founder of Robertson Group, and former surgeon Mr Miller's family. Mr Miller served Moray as a surgeon for over 25 years and was a driving force in the redevelopment of the hospital in the 1990s. His daughter and former medical secretary were on hand to greet the princess.
The party then toured Ward 6, which specialises in orthopaedics and is in need of renovation. The Rotary Club recently donated £3000 towards the work.
Wheelchair-bound patient Gladys Rennie (93) jostled for position to get a good view of the princess and was delighted that the royal stopped to chat, saying that it had "made her day".
The party then headed to the refectory to meet more staff, where Dr Gray's cupcakes were piled high on tables.
Chairman of the Friends of Dr Gray's Hospital and hospital porter Tim Wakefield said: "There are lots of cogs in the machine to ensure the smooth running of the hospital. The royal visit is recognition of the contribution staff make."
Mr Wakefield added that the Friends group was committed to showing appreciation for all the hospital's staff as well to benefit patients.
The bell was rung as the visit drew to a close. Hospital general manager Alasdair Pattinson said after waving goodbye to the princess on the old entrance steps: "We're delighted to have welcomed Her Royal Highness today.
"It's an excellent opportunity to show what we're doing and how the community are involved.
"The visit was a real morale booster for staff. It raises the profile for Dr Gray's and highlights its importance as a district general hospital for the population of Moray."
