GRATEFUL thanks have been expressed to volunteers who have helped transform a garden for poorly children.
The garden hidden within the walls of the children’s ward at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary has been given a make-over, thanks to the commitment of the volunteers, donations, and support from Dumfries business Garden Wise.
Senior charge nurse Kirstine Burns knows first hand the importance of outdoor spaces for both patients and their loved ones, she said: “Over the last few months we’ve been very fortunate to have some support from the local volunteers, Elizabeth and Joe, who have been clearing some of the weeds from the garden to make it better for the children and the families to use.
“They’ve planted some new shrubs for us, which is brilliant. We’ve got some new toys outside for the children to use which is absolutely brilliant, so they’ve been able to get outside and get some fresh air and exercise.”
Additions to the garden have included toys, some figurine animals and a shed which was kindly assembled and repainted by members of the NHS Estates team to become a beach hut – which has proved very popular with the young patients.
Volunteers Elizabeth and Joe Smith from Lochfoot say they enjoy working in the peaceful surroundings of the garden, helping to make it look beautiful.
Joe added: “I like the idea of volunteering, and making things look nice for other people. We do a lot of work in our own garden, but it’s lovely to do work to give pleasure to others.”
Noting the pleasure the surroundings give the children who have to spend time on the ward, he said: “I’m sure it’s a nice environment for them, and probably helps their recovery.”
