New 'reflection' garden in memory of hospital staff

Jennie Grainger, a volunteer gardener at Peterborough City Hospital, says she is "excited" about the project

An NHS hospital is working on creating a £40,000 fully-accessible reflection garden in honour of trust staff who have passed way.

North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity has funded the project at Peterborough City Hospital as part of its commitment to the wellbeing and positive mental health of staff.

The space will include creative planting schemes, innovative seating and meeting spaces, as well as a handmade sculpture by metal artist Jeni Cairns.

The project is expected to be finished by the autumn.

Some of those involved in the project hold the plans for the garden

Each division within the health trust could have the opportunity to design, plant and maintain a container or planter.

The scheme has been designed by Jennie Grainger, lead volunteer gardener at the Peterborough Cancer Wellbeing Service.

Ms Grainger said: “Every space talks to me - and what some may see as somewhat bland, I see so much potential.

"My plan divides the area into two sections, one of which will have a Japanese theme and the other a more café courtyard culture feel with partitioned seating areas.

“It is a truly exciting project to work on,” she said.

The garden will include specially-designed all-weather pods for lunchtime get togethers.

Staff will also be to hang up handmade metal leaves, in memory of colleagues they have lost.

Project manager Philip Fearn said: “We had some feedback from staff about the existing memorial garden and took on board their thoughts about how this could be elevated to make it not only a reflective space to remember colleagues who have passed away, but also how to create a beautiful, tranquil and functional space."