MULBERRY’S PATIENCE HELPS THE PATIENTS!
Patients and staff at Heatherwood Hospital near Ascot can now enjoy a stunning display of plants, thanks to the hard work of volunteers from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals’ HR Department. The volunteers were guided and supported by staff from Mulberry over two days in May and June. With help from Mick Conway, Mulberry’s Operations Manager, they completely transformed a previously drab and neglected terrace.
The terrace is situated outside Ward 5 of the hospital, which has recently been refurbished and opened as an Outpatient Clinic for people with urology problems. The patients often have to have a number of tests, and can therefore be at the hospital for the whole day. Thanks to the work of Mulberry and Wyeth, they can now sit in beautiful surroundings (weather permitting!) while they are waiting.
A team from Mulberry planned and designed the changes that were needed to the terrace and also provided the equipment. On the actual work days, Mick directed, guided and inspired their efforts. He says: “The team from Wyeth were brimming with enthusiasm and worked very hard under my leadership, despite the heavy rain.”
Brambles and overgrown bushes had to be cleared before the planting work could commence. Eventually, the rather tired and overgrown paved area was transformed into a stunning but tranquil space, filled with new and vibrantly coloured plants. New benches were added so that patients can sit and relax in an atmosphere of peace and beauty.
Tricia Wright, the hospital’s Patient Information and Voluntary Services Co-ordinator, wrote to the team to say: “Thanks to the design skills of the team, you have succeeded in creating private areas where patients and staff can relax and enjoy the fresh air. The beautiful selection of plants and shrubs has added much needed colour and the garden furniture lends an almost continental air to the area. You deserve to be very proud of the difference you have made to our patients and staff at Heatherwood.”
Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Janet Garden, adds: “With the present climate of financial constraints, without volunteering your services and providing the seating, we would not be able to have such an aesthetic addition to our working environment. We just need some summer weather now to enjoy it!”
