A ‘flagstone lifting’ ceremony marked the start of a therapeutic garden project at the town’s hospital this week.
The trustees of the Comforts Fund have been planning the garden for two years but had to put it on hold when a consultation on bed closures cause uncertainty.
Sidmouth Victoria Hospital has 24 inpatient beds plus one bed for end-of-life care that is financed by Sidmouth Hospiscare. The garden will take around two-and-a-half months to complete and will provide a space for patients, visitors and staff to enjoy.
The garden faces due south and is very sheltered with rooms on three sides.
Purbeck dry stone walling will be used to build three islands of garden which will include soft planting to provide colour and interest.
The existing flagstones are being replaced with natural stone paving. An archway and seating will also look out towards Peak Hill with more benches and flower troughs.
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