Borders General Hospital welcomes Health Service sculpture

An informal celebration was enjoyed this week to mark the unveiling of a newly donated sculpture to NHS Borders. Health Service, by celebrated German-born artist, author, sculptor, and historian Edith Simon (1917-2003) now resides at Borders General Hospital, having been donated by Mr Nick Flavin and the Simon Family

After spending the past few decades in Edinburgh, the sculpture was in need of some repair but thankfully after its careful restoration, it was ready to find its new home at Borders General Hospital

“We are deeply grateful to Nick and Edith Simon’s family for this generous donation,” said Karen Hamilton, Chair for NHS Borders. “Health Service is not only a powerful artistic statement, but will be a beautiful additional to a space often visited by those seeking a moment of calm.”

As well as Mr Flavin the celebration was also attended by Antonia and Indigo Reeve, daughter and granddaughter of Edith Simon.

Speaking at the event, Nick Flavin said: “It’s a great honour to bring this sculpture to the Borders. It was my privilege to be friends with the sculptress and her family.

“My job was to find a place for the sculpture that was meaningful and I couldn’t imagine a better place than the Borders General Hospital. We are looked after here by skilled and compassionate people, and this sculpture also reflects this. It is dynamic and tells a story about professionals taking care of a patient, which sums up the professionals here within the hospital.

“It is in a delightful place and I hope it gives people the space for healing and a bit of joy.”

Antonia Reeve also shared: “The health service was terribly important to my mother, firstly because she was born before it, and secondly because I might not be here if it hadn't been for the health service because she had six miscarriages before me so she really felt it was terribly important. I think you can see it in the different parts of the sculpture particularly in the caring nature.

“I think it's absolutely wonderful that it's down here at the Borders General Hospital. It’s in a wonderful position, in a very welcoming spot, I think she’d be delighted.”

NHS Borders also extends sincere thanks to A & A Doyle Ltd of Galashiels for their kind donation of the commemorative plaque accompanying the sculpture.

The unveiling ceremony concluded with Nick formally gifting the sculpture to NHS Borders by untying the ceremonial ribbon, marking a new chapter in the life of this remarkable artwork.