A 13-foot sculpture that conveys the compassionate touch of a caregiver stands at the center of the Tribute to Caregivers Plaza.
The plaza, built as a peaceful garden meant for reflection, was dedicated Tuesday on the east side of the Hixson Lied Center, just south of Clarkson Tower. The bronze sculpture — mounted on a 5-foot tall pedestal – joins the flagpole project and glass panel display recognizing the hospitals core physicians.
The 1,500-pound sculpture shows the gentle relationship between a caregiver and patient. It depicts the hand of a caregiver intertwined with the hand of a patient as they reach skyward.
Sculptor John Lajba of Omaha said the “Tribute to Caregivers” sculpture not only honors caregivers, but also their dedication to patients.
“This work portrays an incredible relationship, the connection between caregivers and patients,” Lajba said. “The best way to honor caregivers is to create a piece about the people whose lives they touched.”
During the two years it took to build the sculpture, Lajba reminded himself of the impact caregivers have had on his own family. “By touching someone’s hand or arm it is an easy way to tell someone they care,” he said.
High tech equipment plays a valuable role in a clinical diagnosis, but machines cannot offer compassion, said Rita Van Fleet, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services.
“No matter what the future brings, at the very heart of health care, there must always be the people who are competent and dedicated to provide a healing touch,” Van Fleet said.
It is Lajba’s vision that the sculpture serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of life and the impact a person’s touch can have on someone.
“Touching is a way to communicate with the patient,” he said. “It shows the human dignity of caregivers.”