Volunteers transform hospital garden used by bereaved families

A vital space, for bereaved families, within a hospital’s maternity unit has been given a much-needed facelift thanks to volunteers from a property company.

Croydon Hospital’s Garden Suite, a comforting and private area with a small therapeutic garden, provides a space for bereaved families to spend time in an environment that is close to the trust’s maternity teams.

The team of colleagues from Wates property company cut back shrubs, removed weeds, pressure washed pathways, planted seeds and installed new garden furniture to revamp the space.

The makeover work on the courtyard garden took place on Wednesday and was completed the same afternoon, ready for presentation to the nursing team at the hospital.

Deborah Kelly, Chief Nurse at the Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said: “The garden has been completely transformed.

“This initiative, led by our dedicated bereavement midwife and supported by Wates Group, will help to provide a home away from home environment for our patients at one of the most difficult times in their lives. We’re incredibly grateful for Wates’ support.”

The garden makeover is part of Wates’ social value philosophy of supporting community projects through volunteering. More projects supporting the Croydon community are currently underway and in development, a Wates spokesman said.

Pictured top: Before and after volunteers cleared paths and cut back shrubs in the hospital garden (Picture: Dave Craft/ Good Karma)