Work on new hospital wildflower meadow begins

Joe Chadwick-Bell (left) attended the project launch alongside Melissa Underwood

Work has begun on a new wildflower garden, which a hospital says will give patients, families and staff a more natural place to take a break.

The new area, near the urgent and emergency care centre at Walsall Manor Hospital, is being created thanks to a £11,487 grant from Natural England.

It is hoped that the meadow will not only be a positive influence on people attending the hospital, but will also attract pollinating insects and other wildlife.

Chief Executive Joe Chadwick-Bell said the project would help people "make the most" of the green space available at the site.

The scheme also involves the transformation of the hospital's staff memorial garden which is also currently under development.

"It is great to have a lovely wellbeing space within the hospital and I can't wait to see the end result this summer," Ms Chadwick-Bell, the boss of The Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trusts, said.

Melissa Underwood, Land and Environment Manager for Groundwork West Midlands, which is leading the project, added: "We all know that nature and wellbeing fit together, and the hope is this can be used by patients and visitors alike."