Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) would like to express its sincere thanks to the volunteers from Keep Oban Beautiful.
The HSCP thanks the volunteers for their hard work, generosity and community spirit, and for recognising the important role that gardening and green spaces play in supporting health and wellbeing.
Keep Oban Beautiful approached Lorn and Islands Hospital with an offer to support the maintenance and improvement of the hospital gardens, particularly the courtyard garden which is frequently visited and enjoyed by patients, visitors and staff.
The courtyard garden, while a valued and peaceful space within the hospital grounds, was in need of some tender loving care. Volunteers kindly gave their time to begin tidying and restoring the area, helping to create a more welcoming and therapeutic environment for everyone who uses the space.
As part of the project, plans are being developed to introduce a variety of carefully selected shrubs that will bring colour, texture and fragrance throughout the seasons. The group also hopes to establish more perennial planting to provide natural ground cover and reduce the need for ongoing weeding and maintenance.
Although still in the early stages, the work already undertaken has made a positive difference and has been greatly appreciated by both staff and patients.
Caroline Henderson, Rural General Hospital Manager, Lorn and Islands Hospital said: "We are extremely grateful to the volunteers from Keep Oban Beautiful for their expertise, kindness and hard work. Outdoor spaces play an important role in wellbeing and recovery, providing a peaceful environment for patients and families to spend valuable time together, while also allowing staff to take a well-earned break. It is wonderful to see the courtyard garden beginning to flourish, thanks again to their efforts and community spirit."
Lorn and Islands General Hospital looks forward to continuing to work alongside Keep Oban Beautiful as the project develops over the coming months.