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Posted: Thu 29th May 2025
A new striking new sculpture honouring the care and compassion of NHS staff has been unveiled outside the Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
It has been created by award-winning local artist, Simon O’Rourke, who carved the piece out of a redwood tree, that was felled in Welshpool several years ago.
The sculpture celebrates community, care and healing, with the snake and staff in the palm of the hand being symbolic with healthcare through the ages.
The piece of art, placed near the main entrance of the hospital, was gifted by the artist, who has received treatment there himself.
“Public art is important in any community, I hope this brings some meaning to people,” explained Simon.
“Hands are a practical and personal connection between people. I wanted to symbolise the importance of hands in the medical field, between staff and patients.
“The hand sculpture is creased and worn looking giving a feel of a working hand, and the symbol on the palm is the oldest medical symbol in the world, dating back thousands of years.
“The staff and serpent symbols are found worldwide in the context of medicine to this day, making it a universally understood motif.”
He added that it was “an honour” to be able to give a tree another story by creating a sculpture.”
Dr Stephen Stanaway, Wrexham Maelor Hospital Medical Director, added: “I’m delighted on behalf of all colleagues at the Maelor to see this beautiful statue by Simon O’Rourke unveiled on our site.
“The fact that this is a gift from the artist to his own local hospital is just an illustration of how important a place our facility holds in the public view.
“The imagery it displays beautifully represents how healthcare is largely about hands, about human contact and about one human being interacting with and responding to the needs of another.
“I would like to thank Simon for his generous and donation to hospital. His gift will be treasured for many years.”
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