Sick children’s garden makeover delight
Gratefeul thanks have been expressed to volunteers who have helped transform a garden for poorly children.
The garden hidden within the walls of the Children’s Ward at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary has been given a make-over, thanks to the commitment of the volunteers, donations, and support from local business Garden Wise.
Kirstine Burns is the ward’s Senior Charge Nurse, and she said: “Over the last few months we’ve been very fortunate to have some support from the local volunteers, Elizabeth and Joe, who have been clearing some of the weeds from the garden to make it better for the children and the families to use.
“They’ve planted some new shrubs for us, which is brilliant. We’ve got some new toys outside for the children to use which is absolutely brilliant, so they’ve been able to get outside and get some fresh air and exercise.”
Elizabeth and Joe Smith from Lochfoot say they enjoy working in the peaceful surroundings of the garden, helping to make it look beautiful.
Joe said: “I like the idea of volunteering, and making things look nice for other people. We do a lot of work in our own garden, but it’s lovely to do work to give pleasure to others.”
Noting the pleasure the surroundings give the children who have to spend time on the ward, Joe added: “I’m sure it’s a nice environment for them, and probably helps their recovery.”
Kirstine agrees, and says the attractive garden has brought major benefits to the young patients and their families.
She said: “One of the best things for us moving to the new hospital was having the outside area which has allowed children when they are recovering to come outside, spend some time outside, but it also gives the parents the opportunity to get away from the rooms and to com outside to be able to sit in a nice quiet, peaceful area and just reflect on what’s been happening while their children have been in hospital.
“We’ve been so lucky because we’ve had a lot of donations over the last couple of years from various organisations including recently Dumfries Academy and Locharbriggs Primary School, to name but a few.”
Additions to the garden have included toys, some figurine animals now spread around the garden, and a shed which was kindly assembled and repainted by members of the NHS Estates team to become a beach hut – which has proved very popular with the young patients.
Advice has also been very kindly provided by Garden Wise, providing advice on the best plants for the children and helping with the planting.
Garden Wise Plant Area Manager Laura Grainger said: “Kirstine and nursery nurse Fiona Quinn came to the centre and told me what their vision was.
“They went away and basically we’ve come up together with perennials, meaning plants that will come back year after year. We also did pick some annuals which gives that instant impact of colour, and then we just worked together as a team and delivered them here.
“It was amazing. I was so happy they came, and we managed to donate a few extra little bits like some mulch and feed.
“It was just a privilege to be involved.”
Laura added: “Even before we introduced more plants it was an amazing, calming place to be and for this space for the children – it’s a great thing for them to still be able to get outside. Just brilliant.”
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