Coronavirus: Special NHS messages left on roads near Peterborough and Cambridgeshire hospitals

All Cambridgeshire and Peterborough health key workers battling the spread of the coronavirus will see a colourful ‘Thank you NHS’ on the roads approaching each of the county’s four hospitals.

Yesterday (Monday), roads near Addenbrooke’s, Papworth, Hinchingbrooke and Peterborough City hospital were painted by the city and county councils’ contractor, Skanska.

Chairman of the Highways and Infrastructure Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, Cllr Mathew Shuter, said: “This is just one small way in which we can say thank you to our brilliant NHS workers for everything they’re doing at this challenging time.

“We wanted to show our gratitude for all who work at the county’s hospitals as they travel to and from work – from doctors and nurses, to cleaners and catering staff – this message is for all of them.”

Cllr Peter Hiller, cabinet member for strategic planning and commercial strategy and investments at Peterborough City Council, said: “It’s only right that we show our NHS workers just how vital they are and how much we all appreciate everything they have done since the Covid-19 outbreak. They are literally putting themselves on the frontline to care for us all.

“Our intention by placing these road markings is to lift their spirits – even just a bit – every time they arrive and leave the hospital from a long shift. It’s a simple gesture to show just how much gratitude we all have for them.”

John Birkenhead, business director at Skanska, said: “We’re doing all we can to keep roads safe for essential travel and key workers and we’re proud to be able to support the region to help celebrate and thank our amazing NHS staff in this unprecedented time.”

The blue and white NHS logo has also been drawn onto a colourful rainbow – the symbol of hope and gratitude adopted by many throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Crews across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough continue to carry out safety critical work and essential highways maintenance.

Any ongoing work is being carried out in accordance with government health and safety measures, with workforces practising social distancing the councils said. Since the coronavirus outbreak, more than 8,000 potholes have been repaired in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough crews have been called out more than 460 times.

Both councils are assessing the situation and, given the current low volumes of traffic, will review and work with contractors to see if any projects can start again whilst adhering to the government guidelines.