Today MCH Charity, supported by Scott Malton, Chief Nursing Officer, officially opened the Silver Birch Tree Staff Courtyard at Leighton Hospital.
The creation of the courtyard was funded from money donated by our local communities and from grants from NHS Charities Together received during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally a plain slabbed area, the courtyard now boasts professionally designed beautiful honeycomb trellis' and circular planters filled with tables, chairs and parasols where staff can relax surrounded by a wide range of plants to be enjoyed year-round!
Emma Robertson, MCH Charity Manager said, "It’s taken a huge effort from our landscape gardener and lead gardening volunteer to get this space completed, but it’s totally been worth all the hard work.
"It’s amazing to see staff sitting in it today enjoying the fresh air during their breaks in such beautiful surroundings. As a charity one of our main aims is to support staff wellbeing and we think improvements to our outside spaces is a great way of doing just that."
Staff have already started commenting on how great the courtyard is...
- "I think you have done a tremendous job on this. I have been avidly watching it come together when passing and it makes such a difference to hospital environs."
- "The new garden area is spectacular and very tranquil."
- "The Silver Birch Tree Courtyard is a fabulous addition to the health and wellbeing of the staff."
Work to keep the garden looking it’s best will now be carried out by the Trust’s gardening volunteers and any maintenance costs will come from the charity.
If you are ‘green fingered’ and would like to find out more about becoming a gardening volunteer at Leighton Hospital please contact Jo Newbrook, Volunteer Manager: jo.newbrook@mcht.nhs.uk
If you would like to make a donation or fundraise to support the upkeep of outside spaces at the hospital please contact us: charity@mcht.nhs.uk
