28 July 2016
BHI roof garden gets makeover
The roof top garden on level 7 of the Bristol Heart Institute
has recently been renovated as part of the #mywildcity campaign by
Avon Wildlife Trust. Their vision is to create habitats for
wildlife in areas all around Greater Bristol and ultimately create
a nature reserve across the city.
Matt Collis is the #mywildcity project officer and spoke to us
about why he chose to transform an area in our hospital. "This is a
great opportunity to show how any space can be transformed into a
safe haven for nature, wildlife and - in this case - hardworking
hospital staff. My grandad spent a great deal of time in
hospital before passing away and I was always in awe of how caring
and vigilant the staff were, particularly those working in
intensive care. This is my way of giving back to the NHS, whilst
also providing a home for wildlife in the middle of this
busy city."
Matt, his
landscape design team and volunteers from Skanska UK have worked
hard over the three day project to create a peaceful and tranquil
retreat for our staff to relax in during their busy shifts. With
lots of colourful plants, water features, a bug hotel, bird feeders
and a pick-your-own herb patch, the garden will give everyone an
opportunity to enjoy nature and wildlife every day at work.
Sue Claridge works in the cardiac intensive care unit and is
just one of the many staff members who will benefit from this
project. "I think it's amazing what they've done with this space,
it's like an oasis in a concrete jungle. This garden really means a
lot to us as it gives you a place to just stop, think and collect
yourself."
A colleague and much loved friend of Sue sadly passed away
recently. Sister Bridie Magner-Davis will always be a part of the
garden after Sue and other staff members raised funds to buy a
bench and planter in her memory.
The garden will certainly be a popular communal area and Sue
understands it will require daily maintenance. "We will be
making sure it is well looked after, so this area can be enjoyed by
staff and our long-term patients for many years to come." For some
patients this garden will be their first experience of the outside
after months in their hospital ward.
The Skanska volunteers painted the planters in bright colours
and along with all of the garden's features; we hope it will be a
truly uplifting place for all. We are so grateful to everyone
involved.
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