Rothwell Road becomes Rainbow Road with KGH 'thank you'

A splash of colour has been added to the road outside Kettering General Hospital to thank our NHS heroes.

Highways workers from Northamptonshire County Council have painted 'Thank You NHS' with a rainbow NHS heart on the surface by the ambulance entrance in Rothwell Road.

Cllr Jason Smithers, the council's portfolio holder for highways, said it was the council's way to say thank you for the hard work of those who are keeping us safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said: “The work that is being carried out by everyone at the NHS is phenomenal and we just wanted to do our bit to show support by adding a splash of colour in a sign of solidarity with NHS workers.

“Our highway crews have continued to ensure roads are safe and open for all key workers and to make sure essential journeys can be made. It has been amazing to see how people have shown their gratitude and it’s important to let all key workers know that they are appreciated.”

KGH’s chief people officer, Mark Smith, said: “Colleagues at Kettering General Hospital have been overwhelmed with support from our local community in many different ways – everything from the Food4Heroes scheme to countless gifts from local companies and individuals and practical help from local volunteers.

“This amazing ‘Thank you NHS’ messaging outside the hospital is another great example of this support, in this case from our county council colleagues.

“They in turn of course are providing very valuable key services for us all during the pandemic and we very much thank them for their support and the support they are providing for all of us during this difficult period.”

Similar markings have also been left at the Cliftonville and Billing Road accesses to Northampton General Hospital.

KierWSP Northamptonshire Highways have been carrying messages of support for the NHS on their fleet of highway vehicles and buses for the last few weeks.

Variable message signs (VMS) located along roads in the county have also been displaying messages of thanks and support to the NHS and key workers along with Covid-19 updates.