East London hospital hangs up a bee for every patient who has beaten coronavirus in message of hope mural

The mural welcomes visitors on the ground floor of Queen's Hospital in Romford
Jean Maile
Ellena Cruse30 April 2020

Staff at an east London hospital have mounted bees onto a mural to represent every patient who has beaten coronavirus.

More than 380 have been applied to the Tree of Life picture, which graces the ground floor wall of Queen's Hospital Romford.

One local resident said the mural "gives people so much hope".

Jean Maile, 72, spotted the painting when she went to an appointment. She later discovered one of the bees was for a distant relation who beat the strain.

The hospital, which falls under Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospital NHS Trusts, has been contacted for comment.

Speaking about the picture Ms Maile said: "Oh it's wonderful, it gives people so much hope.

"You hear about all the people dying but when you live in a small community to see more than 300 people have come through - well it's quite a big number in a small area.

The mural also pays tribute to frontline workers who have lost their lives battling the virus
Jean Maile

"People spot it coming down the escalator and go over to look at it."

Ms Maile is self-isolating with her daughter and grandchildren and said she is lucky to be able to see her family.

The mural had given visitors to the hospital a boost
Jean Maile

"The staff are so upbeat and kind when you go there," she added.

"There are more people in uniforms than in civilian clothes and security at the door make sure you have an appointment to get in."

However she said she spoke to one clinician who said she cried every night after working on a Covid-19 ward for the last few weeks.

"If you see what she has seen you would not go outside the house and stick to the rules," Ms Maile added.

"All the staff are doing a great job and my thanks goes out to them.

"I hope everyone stays safe and well."

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