A NEW initiative which encourages Dorset HealthCare staff to pitch innovative ideas for improving patient care in a Dragon’s Den style competition has netted the support of two famous Dorset footballers.

Former goalscoring AFC Bournemouth keeper Jimmy Glass and current Cherries ace Tyrone Mings attended a garden party at St Ann’s Hospital, in Poole, to unveil the £2,000 Space for Growth project.

Space for Growth has provided specific garden spaces within the hospital grounds, in Canford Cliffs, to help improve the health and wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff.

These areas allow people to grow vegetables, learn new skills, build new relationships and enjoy the outdoors.

Space for Growth was the first winning entry of Dorset HealthCare’s very own Dragons’ Den competition, an idea based on the BBC’s popular reality TV show. A shortlist of staff ideas was drawn up and other staff voted for their favourites with four finalists pitching their proposals to a panel of trust senior managers and patient care representatives.

Project support officer Gaby Morris, said: “Innovation in the NHS is extremely important. We started Dragons’ Den last year with the aim of enabling staff to put forward ideas, no matter how big or small, which benefits everyone.

“Space for Growth is a truly fantastic project, bringing people together, helping patients both mentally and physically, and promoting healthy eating.”

Local businesses also supported the scheme, with Eco Sustainable Solutions, Dorchester Timber and G. Burley & Sons generously contributing labour and materials to develop the garden plots. There were also valuable donations from a host of local church and community groups.

A new batch of ideas will be pitched to the Dragons’ Den at the Trust’s Annual Members’ Meeting at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on Wednesday, September 13.