A £40,000 project to transform Peterborough City Hospital's staff garden is underway.

The garden, designed by Jennie Grainger, lead volunteer gardener at the Peterborough Cancer Wellbeing Service, is funded by the North West Anglia Hospitals' Charity.

The project is part of a commitment to staff wellbeing and mental health.

The first of several all-weather pods, intended for breaks, informal meetings, or lunch get-togethers, have been installed.

First look at £40k transformation of hospital staff garden First look at £40k transformation of hospital staff garden (Image: Submitted)

The garden will also feature creative planting schemes, innovative seating, and a memorial focal point for colleagues who have passed away.

Recommended Reading: Cause of fire in Peterborough is confirmed

The transformation aims to bring the Peterborough staff garden in line with those at Stamford & Rutland Hospital and Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon.

The fully accessible garden will include all-year-round planting, containers, and raised beds, Italian Cypress trees in recycled fibre glass containers, a mini orchard area of five fruit trees, and a memorial focal point with a handmade sculpture by local metal artist Jeni Cairns.

Work begins on £40k transformation of hospital garden Work begins on £40k transformation of hospital garden (Image: Submitted)

Staff will be able to hang handmade metal leaves engraved with their colleagues' names on the sculpture.

North West Anglia Hospitals’ Charity project manager, Philip Fearn, said: “We had some feedback from staff about the existing memorial garden and took on board their thoughts about how this could be elevated to make it not only a reflective space to remember colleagues who have passed away, but also creating a beautiful, tranquil and functional space.”

The hospital also has an outdoor seating area for patients and visitors, located at the end of the main Atrium near the pharmacy.

Peterborough City Hospital staff garden transformation underway Peterborough City Hospital staff garden transformation underway (Image: Submitted)

This public seating area was revamped this summer, with charity funding providing colourful parasols and picnic tables.

These have been widely used by patients and visitors.

The project is expected to be completed over the coming weeks and months, with NHS workers already benefiting from the improvements.