A NEW garden has been opened at Poole Hospital’s maternity unit to provide staff with an outside space to take time out when on their break.

The garden includes a number of benches surrounded by flowers and was provided after a consultation revealed that staff would like an outside space to relax in.

It was officially opened by Royal College of Midwives president, Kathryn Gutteridge.

“It’s not easy being a midwife or working in maternity today,” said Kathryn. “Gardens and outdoor space have so many benefits for the positive wellbeing – the better the care is for staff, the better the care is for expectant mothers and their families.”

Debbie Doherty, one of the unit’s midwives and RCM Health and Safety representative, led the consultation. She explained that the garden was already popular with staff. “They are loving it and it’s already very popular on break times,” said Debbie.

The benches were purchased by the unit while the gravel was provided by local sand and gravel quarry M B Wilkes. The rest of the work was undertaken by staff family members and members of the local branch of the Royal College of Midwives.