A ‘tranquillity garden’ could be on the cards for patients at Sidmouth Victoria Hospital.

Graham Vincent, chairman of the facility’s comforts fund, told chamber of commerce members on Wednesday that the charity had been approached about installing a garden at the back of the building - with views that overlook the parish church and Coburg field.

Mr Vincent told the Herald this week: “The garden is basically for the patients when their relatives come to see them. It’s a nice place for them to go and sit and have a cup of coffee. It will be a great asset.”

The garden would also prove a nice view for those looking out of the window from inpatient beds and for staff as they carried out their shifts.

Therapeutic horticulturist Pete Scott said that the garden would have health benefits.

He added: “If older people over 65 can be outside in a nice environment for 20 minutes a day, there are massive health benefits to that.”

Mr Scott said that people using the garden would see their vitamin D levels increase, which would reduce the chances of breaking bones and infections.

Mr Vincent said other ideas the fund was considering included a bike rack for staff and new chairs that would allow users to adjust the angle when it suited them.

He said: “I’m very proud of Sidmouth hospital.

If it wasn’t for the generosity of the town, we might not have a hospital now.

“The more that we can provide, the better the hospital is.”