Hospital patients can now enjoy the benefits of a therapeutic garden, which has been opened after years of waiting.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Trustees of the Sidmouth Victoria Hospital Comfort Fund were thrilled to officially open the garden on Saturday, after months of hard work getting it ready.

Sidmouth Victoria Hospital has 24 inpatient beds, plus one bed for end-of-life care that is financed by Sidmouth Hospiscare, and it is hoped the garden will be enjoyed by all.

In an opening speech, Graham Vincent, the fund’s chairman, said they were so pleased to open the garden, which they hoped would help to speed up recovery times.

He added: “One evening when I was watering the plants a dear old lady tapped the window and told me it is a pleasure to wake up in the morning to see the colour, movement and scent of the plants.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

“I believe we have achieved something that not only inpatients but staff and the Memory Cafe and hospice can also use.”

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry IfeSidmouth Hospital's Comfort Funds opening of their therapy garden. Ref shs 37 18TI 0711. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)