Makeover for garden set aside for families of liver transplant patients
Families and carers of liver transplant patients can now benefit from a garden makeover at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
A group of volunteers teamed up on Friday to revitalise a garden at Camberwell’s King’s College Hospital’s LISTEN Lodges.
The work involved substantial pruning, cleaning garden furniture, painting and the installation of new planters and solar lights.
Families travel to King’s College Hospital from across the UK when their loved one gets a call to say there is an available liver transplant.
The hospital’s LISTEN lodges provide carers and relatives with a safe and comforting environment in close proximity to the hospital when they are not at their loved ones’ bedside.
The lodges are maintained by the charity LISTEN, a group of patient volunteers and staff from the King’s Liver Unit.
Paul McKie, specialist social worker (Liver Transplant) at King’s College Hospital, said: “The garden at our LISTEN Lodges has been brought back to life, and now we have a quiet and safe area for family members, carers and loved ones to retreat for some fresh air, comfort and reflection.
“The space has been completely transformed and we’re extremely thankful to everyone who has worked so hard to make this project a reality.”
As well as volunteers from local organisations, a number of people who also lent a hand with the garden renovation have first-hand experience of liver transplant services at King’s College Hospital.
Bexley resident Angela Cattermole, who underwent a liver transplant at King’s in 2013 and is also a member of LISTEN, supported with the garden renovation.
She said: “It is wonderful. To think of the sanctuary this garden will be able to offer people, and the precious moments it will bring. It’s an honour to be part of such a fantastic team effort.”
Pictured top: The volunteers who have helped tidy a garden area (Picture: King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
Everyone at the South London Press thanks you for your continued support.
Former Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has encouraged everyone in the country who can afford to do so to buy a newspaper, and told the Downing Street press briefing:
“A FREE COUNTRY NEEDS A FREE PRESS, AND THE NEWSPAPERS OF OUR COUNTRY ARE UNDER SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL PRESSURE”
If you can afford to do so, we would be so grateful if you can make a donation which will allow us to continue to bring stories to you, both in print and online. Or please make cheques payable to “MSI Media Limited” and send by post to South London Press, Unit 112, 160 Bromley Road, Catford, London SE6 2NZ
