Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has formally opened a new wellbeing garden for staff and patients at Southport Hospital.

Thanks to NHS Charities Together, the hospitals’ own charity and the League of Friends, as well as many local garden centres and nurseries who kindly donated plants, the garden is now a fantastic place to reflect and re-energise during the day.

Starting the event, Trust Chair, Neil Masom, thanked all project partners for their role in bringing the garden to life, before introducing Managing Director, Anne-Marie Stretch, who thanked staff for their bravery and professionalism throughout the pandemic.

ITV Granada Reports Journalist, Paul Crone, joined volunteer gardener Phil McBride to cut the ribbon, thanking hospital staff for all they continue to do for patients each and every day, with music from singer Charlie Matthews, who performed beautiful renditions of ‘Hero’ and ‘Proud’.

Anne-Marie Stretch, Managing Director Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust said: “It is so important that our staff have somewhere to take time out and reflect, particularly after a difficult shift and the garden really does provide a little haven in the middle of our busy hospital. We need spaces like this to take a few minutes, whether it’s to decompress or have a chat with a colleague. It really is invaluable.”