The team from Lincoln County Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit had been hoping to transform the garden area 
near to the unit prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they are more determined than ever to remove the weeds, brighten up the area with planting and add some seating for visiting relatives, and are calling on community support to do so.
Physiotherapist Gemma Smith, who has worked on the unit for eight years, is helping to lead the project. She said: “This is something we have been talking about doing for a while. Some of our patients can be in the unit with us for some time, and as part of their recovery it would be great to be able to take them outside and stimulate some of their senses. It may be that we could even involve some of our patients in the gardening as part of their recovery.
“While we have been treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic it has reinforced our enthusiasm to get this project started and it is great to see it finally underway.”
Hospital staff redeployed from other areas during the pandemic have already cleared the area of weeds.
Orthopaedic Secretaries Christine Cotton and Rebecca Wood have been part of a small and dedicated team transforming the hospital’s green spaces over the last few months.
Rebecca said: “This has been a stressful time for staff across the hospital and for us to be able to tidy up these areas has been really rewarding for us and a great boost for the staff.
“This garden is going to be a great area for everyone to enjoy once it is finished.”
Ward sister Jane Langley added: “Thanks to Christine and Rebecca we are now ready to start planting. Our team have got some plants, but it would be great to see if we could get some hanging baskets and also screening to provide some privacy for our patients, many of whom will be out here in their beds or wheelchairs. It would also be amazing if we could get some seating for relatives and staff to use.
“If anyone is able to help us with this we would love to hear from them.”
Anyone able to support the team is asked to email Gemma on [email protected]