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Winner announced in Hospital Gardening competition

Karen Reece accepting 1st prize

The children's ward (ward 17) at Airedale Hospital have won the Friends of Airedale 2024 Courtyard Competition.

All thanks to the ongoing dedication of the ward’s senior healthcare support worker, Lindsay Graham, judges felt the end result was a,

“truly charming and impactful garden that would engage and delight the ward’s young patients.”

Lindsay, who has led the ward’s gardening efforts for some 15 years, retires in November. 

Judges highlighted the staff's achievement in creating a 

“visual treat, rich in zoned areas of interest”

and the Electro Medical team for their heroic efforts in transforming courtyard seven into “an area of colour and style”.

Both courtyard areas were awarded Highly Commended status. 

The annual competition is held to improve the states of the courtyards around the hospital to create a better environment for patients and visitors.

Chairman of the judging panel, John Lofthouse said,

“We had quite a difficult time choosing an outright winner this year but the efforts of those involved in the children’s ward garden really won us over with its fairy enclave, clever landscaping and a path that takes you on a journey through their magic kingdom, complete with new illuminations. 

“It really demonstrated ongoing love and care thanks to the special efforts of staff and those in particular of Lindsay Graham.

Despite unfortunate recent storm damage, the hard work behind this area is evident and impactful.” 

Special mention was also made to the fun courtyard area maintained by the Therapy Admin team.

It features colourful stepping stones, brightly painted furniture, pretty planted areas and a display of children’s work.  

John also added,

“We saw a lot of great ideas and imaginative use of plants and materials across the different courtyards.

There are many of them around the hospital and those which are cared for and colourful really add to the appeal of the environment for patients and visitors to the hospital.” 

The children's ward (ward 17) were presented with a garden centre voucher worth £200 plus a special outdoor clock to keep for winning the competition.

To find out more information about Friends of Airedale volunteer group you can visit their website here.

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