New painting unveiled at Princess of Wales Hospital

A painting by artist Michael Dyer was presented to staff at Princess of Wales Hospital today, on behalf of Bridgend Disabled Veterans Random Act of Kindness Association.

The unique painting depicts Florence Nightingale alongside 24-year-old Sophie Cooke, an Emergency Dept nurse at POW who was also born at the hospital and is a resident of the town. 

Sophie was chosen to represent all nurses across Cwm Taf Morgannwg who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.

Speaking about the painting, Sophie said: “It is an absolute honour to have been chosen to be in this painting and to represent all of my colleagues across the Health Board. I became a qualified nurse and began my role in the emergency department only months before the start of the pandemic. My fantastic team really supported me and we helped each other through such challenging times.”

Attending the event today Jamie Wallis MP and Bridgend Mayor Martyn Jones spoke of their pride in the nursing teams at Princess of Wales Hospital.

Tom Weaver of Bridgend Disabled Veterans is the man behind the idea for the painting, which he said was intended to bring together the historical and modern realities of nursing.

The painting now hangs pride of place in the main entrance corridor of the hospital.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg Chair Emrys Elias said: “We are immensely proud of all of our nursing teams whose commitment to their roles and our communities has been outstanding throughout the pandemic. This painting is a lasting testament to Sophie and all of her colleagues across CTM; a permanent reminder of everything they have accomplished. I would like to say a huge thank you to Tom and the Bridgend Veterans.”