A TREE has been donated to Poole Hospital to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening by the Queen.
Haskins garden centre in Ferndown made the donation, and the tree – a Cascading Hearts (cercis canadensis) tree – was planted last week.
Poole Hospital chief executive Debbie Fleming joined Haskins' staff for the ceremony, which took place in the courtyard outside the hospital's Dolphin Restaurant.
A plaque in the courtyard now marks the event and the new tree.
Mrs Fleming said: "It is a real honour to be able to mark the occasion and to thank all our staff, volunteers and supporters for all their commitment, and for the great care they provide, everyday, for our patients.
"It is also a time to reflect on the contribution that the hospital has made over the past fifty years in providing excellent care for local people, and look forwards with optimism to the next 50 years and beyond."
Haskins garden assistant general manager Marc Etheridge said: "It was brilliant to be involved in the tree planting ceremony at Poole Hospital and a real privilege to be involved in commemorating such an important milestone."
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