Stunning NHS rainbows appear outside Portsmouth hospital and Hampshire care homes

Colas, who look after this city’s roads, and its partner company Coupe Line, this morning set about transforming their road marking machines to create the message ‘Thank You NHS’.

The giant statements of thanks can be seen outside of Queen Alexandra Hospital, in Southwick Hill Road, and St Mary’s in Milton Road.

Accompanying the messages are two ‘thermoplastic’ rainbows – the universal symbol of hope which has become synonymous with the coronavirus pandemic.

Mark Cubbon, chief executive at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, said: 'It was fantastic to see these road markings appear this morning and we would like to express our thanks for this very uplifting gesture.’

Intensive care doctor Ellie Green said: ‘We have all been so overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and generosity from the public during this time.

‘Kind gestures and recognition like this have a great positive impact on the morale of myself and my colleagues.

‘We have all experienced challenging times recently and seeing the message put a smile on my face and gave me a real boost.’

Colas performance manager, Jane Tume, said: ‘The NHS deserve our thanks for the amazing work they’re doing everyday. The rainbow idea ties in with the posters of hope that children have been placing in their windows.’

The idea came about after the organisations heard about similar initiatives in other areas of the country.

Coupe Line operations manager, John Nichols, said: ‘We just wanted to do our bit to show support for the fantastic work being carried out everyday by the NHS in what’s unprecedented circumstances. It specifies the NHS but the sentiment is for all key workers.’

The initiative has been launched in partnership with Portsmouth City Council.

Cllr Lynne Stagg, cabinet member for traffic and transportation, added: ‘I think the road markings look brilliant and I hope they’ll bring a smile to NHS workers as they travel into St Mary’s and Queen Alexandra hospitals.’

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The united show of support has been replicated across the region with Hampshire County Council having road marked similar messages outside 17 hospitals and care homes including Gosport War Memorial Hospital in Bury Road.

The markings are accompanied by electronic road signs with the flashing message ‘Thank You Key Workers’.

Deputy leader Cllr Rob Humby said: ‘This is our way of saying thank you to all care workers, the NHS and key workers for the vital work they do every day. Our highways teams have been out to show how much we appreciate everything you are doing.’

Messages have been put at Emsworth House, Havant Road in Emsworth; Hawthorne Court in Coldeast Way, Sarisbury Green; Malmesbury Lawn inWoolston Road, Leigh Park; Green Meadows in Green Lane, Denmead; and Bishop’s Waltham House in Free Street, Bishop’s Waltham.

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