The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) announced the visit of His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales who was recently named as its patron to preview a specially-commissioned sculpture that will celebrate the tireless work of medical workers worldwide during COVID-19. Created by the renowned sculptor and Professor of Sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art, Kenny Hunter, the powerful piece will be cast in bronze later this year.
The artwork is believed to be the first in Scotland to be dedicated to the medical frontliners who worked through COVID-19 and depicts four life-size figures in scrubs experiencing a moment of reflection at the end of a shift in a COVID hospital ward. The poignant sculpture that pays tribute to the compassion and resilience of healthcare workers during the pandemic.
Healthcare workers worldwide are faced with hazards and higher risks than the average person, even with proper protection. Malaysian healthcare workers are also exposed to the same risks. In a report by the Ministry of Health (MOH) as of 5th of July 2022, a total of 117,751 COVID-19 positive cases among MOH medical workers were reported which represents 2.56 percent of the total COVID-19 positive cases in Malaysia since the start of the pandemic. Among those medical workers infected, 32 of them have died in service.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, who was awarded the prestigious Ad Hominem Fellowship of RCSEd in 2018 said, “We have witnessed the sacrifices, contributions and efforts of the medical workers throughout the pandemic. The medical workforce have gone above and beyond, taking care of patients in an unprecedented situation while putting themselves and their families at risk. This remarkable piece of art by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is a fitting tribute to these medical frontliners worldwide including Malaysia, as they continue to provide their dedication and commitment to serve their communities.”
Renowned sculptor and lecturer Kenny Hunter conceptualised his design after spending time with four healthcare workers who were posted on COVID wards during the pandemic. What emerged from his conversations with these medical workers was a sense that the memorial should contain a mixture of light and dark to truthfully reflect their experience. The sculpture managed to capture the mixture of emotions that healthcare workers experienced during such challenging times.
In memorialising the resilience of the medical staff worldwide, despite all the difficulties and challenges faced whilst delivering care to those in need, the sculpture will be cast in bronze later this year which was initially modelled in clay before being made into its current resin form. Its title – “Your next breath” – highlights the impact of the virus on the respiratory system and how the pandemic affects and involves everyone.
