Southend nurses look over the rainbow on their special day

May 12, 2020

Southend nurses look over the rainbow on their special day

  • By Marlborough Highways

A giant rainbow was installed outside Southend Hospital today to say thank you to local nurses.

Three local companies were involved in developing and installing the giant artwork – which has been installed on International Nurses’ Day.

The rainbow, which is three metres wide and 3.5 metres high, is intended as a message of thanks from the local community to nurses and other hospital staff for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Southend Hospital’s director of nursing, Denise Townsend, said: “We are incredibly grateful to these local companies for donating this inspiring piece of sculpture to the hospital. The rainbow is a symbol of hope for the NHS during these difficult times and it is fitting that this sculpture in unveiled on International Nurses Day. Today we celebrate our nurses in Southend, across the UK and around the world for continuing to lead the frontline charge against the coronavirus pandemic.”

Dan Ashcroft of Essex Mobile Welding came up with the idea and designed and fabricated the rainbow, which was powder coated by Polytech Powder Coating Ltd. Marlborough Highways installed the foundation and used their expertise to ensure there were no town planning problems.

Dan said: “I had seen the kids making rainbows and I came into work on a dull day and just said to the lads ‘I want to make a rainbow to say thanks to the NHS for all they’ve done. We were able to use our design and fabrication skills to manufacture this three metre wide structure, it’s great to see it up and shining bright after three week’s hard work.”

Phil Clarke, Project Manager at Marlborough Highways, said: “We are really pleased to see the rainbow installed and in such a prominent position, at the front of the hospital. It has been a pleasure to support our local supply chain partner, Essex Mobile Welding in their rainbow vision, by installing the foundations and arranging for the permission to install the structure with the hospital.”

“One of the things I value most is their very collaborative and transparent team culture. It makes a big difference to have a contractor who wants to work closely with us and is supportive and responsive. With Marlborough, I get a team who are attentive, work collaboratively and honestly with me and don’t lose focus on delivering first class communications and compliance.”
Carly Norris, Project Manager Operations, London Borough of Hackney
“One of the bonuses of working with Marlborough is they have their own, huge workforce of multi-skilled teams. That means we get the same 2 gangs understanding the job from start to finish and they understand the requirements and what it takes to get the job done”.
Graham Nicholls, Senior Project Manager, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
“Marlborough attracts people who take care and have pride in their work. Several gangs of Operatives worked tirelessly for 6 months to reconstruct drainage networks, lay more than 3km of high quality bespoke granite kerbs and granite channels blocks to ensure positive drainage. The technical compliance, attention to detail and level of quality finish along the entire carriageway was exceptional”.
Mark Chiverrell, Technical Director Project Centre
“Once the cliff stabilisation project got underway there were a few unexpected challenges that required revisiting structural plans, coordinating material sourcing, supply and fit very quickly. Our Project Manager, took a proactive lead, improvised and didn’t sit back.”
Richard Atkins, Sea Defence Engineer, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council
“It’s really nice to work with main contractor, who can work side-by-side and together as one team with suppliers, other contractors and providers. Marlborough’s way of working means we do not get many resident complaints.”
Richard Backhouse, Street Light Engineer, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council
“It was great to work with Marlborough again on another scheme which brings benefits to the local community.  The site team worked tirelessly, during the height of the pandemic, to deliver these key improvements in challenging circumstances.  Marlborough was flexible throughout, accommodating major utility works and amending their method of work which resulted in cost and programme savings to the project.  We would like to thank Marlborough for delivering the Ferry Lane project within budget and ahead of the programme."  
Tracey McGovern, Consultant Project Manager at Haringey Council
“We saw huge benefits in appointing Marlborough as our full service contractor and we’re impressed – they’ve delivered consistent high quality service and superior quality control across every project. Marlborough, provide us with a ‘one-stop’ shop solution – we get the same quality of service and better control across all aspects of the project.”
Darren Bryant, Principal Engineer, London Borough of Enfield
“Over the last 25 years, I’ve worked with a lot of different contractors and Marlborough is one of the few companies that are passionate about delivery. With Marlborough we get one team, with the perfect blend of skills and experience: established gangs, proactive Project Managers and fully engaged Operations and Senior Directors. Time after time, Marlborough has proved themselves to us and pulled out all the stops to get the job done."
Rob Wybrow Construction Manager, Be First on behalf of Barking and Dagenham Council

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