Anyone who has visited University Hospital Wishaw (UHW) this year may have noticed a dramatic transformation to the sanctuary garden. There are now flower beds in full bloom, colorful planters and well-maintained borders to enhance the hard work that has already been carried out by the sanctuary garden group.

The transformation has been made possible by Jimmy Grieve, a volunteer with the spiritual care and well-being department.

Jimmy said: “My love of gardening started when I worked in the maintenance department at University Hospital Hairmyres.  I remember this time with great fondness and have a sense of pride in how well the grounds were maintained.”

Jimmy joined the spiritual care and well-being department in January 2019. Since then, he has quietly and faithfully given his time and skills to create a space where patients, visitors and staff can seek peace and enjoy the beauty, recognising the importance this can have for their well-being. The garden is well known to be an ‘oasis of calm’ at the heart of the busy hospital.

Jimmy liaised with the team who organised the annual Baby Memorial Service to gift the families with sunflowers, grown from seed, in memory of their babies. Jimmy also recognises the value that fresh air and a sense of purpose can have for patients. He actively collaborates with the spiritual care and well-being team to support individual patients in creative ways.