COVID-19 reflection garden opens in Prince Phillip Hospital
L-R: Andrew Brown, Welsh Guards Rugby Reunion Club; Cllr. Jennifer Susan Phillips, Llanelli Rural Council; Cllr. Andrew Stephens, Llanelli Rural Council; Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer, Hywel Dda Health Charities; Lee Odishow, sculptor
A new reflection garden at Prince Philip Hospital was officially opened today (Wednesday 26th July 2023). The garden has been funded by Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, to commemorate the COVID-19 pandemic.
The garden, which is located near Ward 1 at Prince Phillip Hospital, will allow both patients and staff to have a peaceful, private area, to reflect and remember.
Amber Bolt, Senior Sister, said: “The COVID pandemic was a difficult time for us all. The garden will allow for individuals to have a dedicated space to reflect.
“Thank you to all the staff from Ward 1 for their involvement in the fundraising. They worked so hard during the COVID-19 pandemic and still went above and beyond to fundraise for the garden.
“The garden will be utilised as an area of reflection for staff, patients and the community and hold a special place in all our hearts.”
A sculpture by Lee Odishow installed in the new garden was also unveiled. The sculpture was commissioned by midwife Sharon Geggus, a COVID patient who received care and treatment at the hospital.
The sculpture captures a poignant moment during the pandemic when a patient and child were witnessed trying to communicate through a hospital window.
Lee said: “This vivid image resonates with us all, as most of us have been affected in some way by the pandemic or saw images of a similar nature dominating the media during that time.
“I have set out to capture this single moment using life casts taken from a friend and from my son, to recreate every detail of their arms and hands. Their pointed index fingers reach out as if trying to touch but are prevented from physical contact by an implied pane of glass. A polished stainless-steel frame supports the hands and represents the window frame.
“The frame and hands are set upon an imposing piece of Welsh blue pennant sandstone. This stone plinth is imbued with several meanings, depicting the gravity of the pandemic and the strong resilience and stoicism of the Welsh people and frontline staff involved, both locally and nationally.”
Midwife Sharon Geggus said: “My experience as a COVID patient was made a lot less scary by the staff that cared for me during my stay. I couldn’t see my family, but the staff were amazing and cared for me so well. They took the time to chat to me and kept me in touch with my family whenever possible.
“This garden for me is a place where staff and visitors here can come and take time out, take a deep breath. A place to gather their thoughts during a busy shift or whist visiting a relative or friend. A place to reflect on the situation around them. A place that will remind staff of the amazing job they are doing.”
Claire Rumble, Fundraising Officer, said: “It has been a privilege to help develop this garden into such a meaningful outdoor area for patients and staff to enjoy.
“The garden is newly planted; in time the plants will fill out and flourish and will create a wonderful sensory experience which includes touch, movement, smell and colour. The colour scheme is soft purples, lilacs and whites amongst evergreen to create a peaceful and tranquil garden where patients, staff and visitors at Prince Philip Hospital will be able to benefit for years to come.
“I’d like to say a special thank you to Llanelli Rural Council, Welsh Guards Rugby Reunion Club and Eleanor James Air Raise for their generous donations to the garden, and everyone else who has donated.”