A team of corporate volunteers have given a hospital garden a much-needed makeover, creating a brighter and more welcoming space for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy.
Six staff members from Altrad’s Renfrew office spent a day revitalising a courtyard garden at Inverclyde Royal Hospital’s Larkfield Unit.
The garden is overlooked by an older people’s mental health and dementia ward in the Argyll Unit and is also visible from nearby patient areas.
The group was led by former NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde head of sustainability Martin Johnston, who was joined by Michelle Reid, Kyle Edgar, Amy Lee, Jackie Baron and Elliott Sorbet.
Working alongside local partners, including Inverclyde Men’s Shed who helped repair benches, the volunteers carried out a wide range of improvements.
These included planting flowers, clearing weeds, power washing paths and walls, and bringing in compost and materials to refresh the space ahead of the summer months.
The neighbouring Rainbow Garden, outside the stroke ward, is also cared for by volunteers, helping to create a more therapeutic environment across the site.
Martin said the team was keen to get involved and make a positive difference in the community.
He said: “We had colleagues who were really keen to come along and get involved, and this felt like a great opportunity to help kickstart improvements to the garden.
“At Altrad, there’s a strong focus on giving something back to the communities we live and work in.
“This was about putting time and resources into a local space that means a lot to patients, families and staff.
“It’s also important for our own team – taking part in volunteering like this supports wellbeing, helps people connect with the community and gives everyone a real sense of pride in making a difference.”
The project was supported by Altrad’s social value fund, which provided plants and materials, and some members of the team are now exploring opportunities to support the garden on a longer-term basis.
Staff at the Argyll Unit say the improvements will have an immediate impact for patients.
Ally Robertson, occupational therapy assistant in Ward 4, said: “This garden is such an important space for our patients. It gives them a safe place to get outdoors, which can make a real difference to their wellbeing.
“In the past, we’ve sometimes been limited in how much we could use the space, but now it’s much more inviting and accessible.
“Even for patients who aren’t able to come outside, their rooms look down onto the garden, and having something bright and well cared for to look at can really lift people’s mood.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Altrad team for the time and effort they’ve put in. It’s made a huge difference.”
The garden is also overlooked by the memory clinic waiting area, meaning many patients and families will benefit from the improved surroundings.
As a next step, staff hope to involve patients in naming the garden, helping to build a sense of ownership and connection to the space.
