'Peaceful' garden opens for critical care staff

An unused courtyard next to the critical care unit has been turned into the staff garden, which includes a gazebo

A newly-opened garden at a city hospital is offering much-needed respite for critical care staff.

The calming space, at Peterborough City Hospital, was first proposed during the pandemic by sister Ros Rippon, who recognised the need for an outdoor area where staff could relax from the pressures of frontline care.

It was funded by the Friends of Peterborough Hospital and was delivered by the North West Anglia Hospitals' Charity, after construction work began earlier this year.

Staff have described it as "peaceful" and "beautiful".

The opening of the new staff garden, which has been described as "stunning"

Ms Rippon added: "We wanted to convert this under-used area into something that would be beneficial for our hard-working staff.

"We approached the Friends of the Hospital, who were in the process of handing over to the hospital charity, and they agreed that it would be a nice final project so kindly provided the funding - which was really touching.

"It is simply stunning.

"We're absolutely thrilled that it's all come together so well, and are so grateful to everyone involved."

'Short reprieve'

Philip Fearn, charity project manager at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT), said: "The garden is beautiful and we're thrilled to have been able to support the creation of a space which will truly enhance the experience of NWAFT staff."

Senior staff nurse Mary Portugal said: "The garden is so calming and peaceful.

"It's a fantastic place to catch your breath and have a short reprieve from the busy unit."

Deputy sister Ana Dumitru said staff "love the garden".

"Apparently, it's beautiful overnight with the solar lights on and it has been a big hit with the night staff during these warm nights," she said.