Countrywide Grounds Maintenance gives community hospital gardens a facelift

A team of green-thumbed contactors representing the Countrywide Grounds Maintenance franchise recently donated their services to restore the gardens and outdoor space at Bromyard Community Hospital to their former glory.

The hospital will now be able to offer three external areas of respite and rehabilitation that are easily accessible for its patients, visitors and staff, including a courtyard, a green space near the car park and a conservatory.

Based in Herefordshire, Countrywide, whose franchisees operate throughout the UK, was tasked with clearing and pruning weeds, shrubs and trees, as well as power washing and replacing paving slabs that had become uneven and unsafe.

Sam Jenkins, regional director of Countrywide Herefordshire, says: “As soon as we heard Bromyard Community Hospital was looking to revamp their gardens, we jumped at the chance to offer our services free of charge.

“Not only is the hospital located near our depot, but I have fond memories of my time when I worked on the wards prior to Countrywide. 

“We were really excited to be tasked with bringing the wow factor back into the gardens, so the patients and their families can have a peaceful environment again. 

“We will be returning in the spring to help with the planting of shrubs and flowers, which are being bought by the League of Friends at the hospital.”

Sandra Mahner, hospital sister at Bromyard Community Hospital, said she’s thrilled with the results so far.

She adds: “Countrywide worked extremely hard and conscientiously to create a blank canvas to allow us to prepare outside spaces that patients and relatives can enjoy.

“We have monetary contributions from many relatives to provide plants, shrubs and ornamentations in the spring and we will have an open day to celebrate this on completion.”