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First images released of new Aberdeen hospital staff garden project

ARI Staff Garden project
ARI Staff Garden project

These exclusive new images show how the new staff garden planned for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary could look.

NHS Grampian is currently raising £200,000 for the project, which will give staff a tranquil place to relax or reflect during their shifts.

It follows the succcess of the Robertson Family Roof Garden, which has proved popular with all hospital users.


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Former chaplain Rev James Falconer, who has been one of the driving forces behind both initiatives, is delighted that the appeal is already half way to its target with support from individuals and companies.

He said: “These draft concept drawings show the planned staff garden at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is really beginning to take shape.

Screenshot of the NHS Grampian Staff Garden Justgiving page

“I am very keen to get staff feedback on them, so we can refine the design even further in the future. After all, this space will be for staff to relax and recharge, so it is important that the design works for them.

“I am so grateful to everyone who has come on board as a supporter of the staff garden project so far and I know people have come up with different ideas.

“There will be opportunities shortly for individuals or companies to sponsor aspects of the garden. If you would like to help ‘care for the carers’, I would love to hear from you.”

Former train driver Paul Breen, who suffered a life-threatening brain aneurysm in 2010 and subsequently spent months in recovery at ARI, has planned a four-mile walk in Aberdeen later this year.

It is a gruelling challenge, given that his illness deprived him of his former mobility, but he is hoping to be joined by Rev Falconer for the charity event in July.

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Mr Breen said: “The plan is to walk the entire length of the Beach Promenade and back by starting opposite the Beach Ballroom and walking to the Footdee end.

“Then, from there, we will go all the way down to the Windows statues at the Bridge of Don end before finishing at the Beach Ballroom again.

“It will be the longest I have walked since I came out of hospital. But it will be worth it to help this wonderful Staff Garden scheme.”

More than £110,000 has already been raised for the cause, with staff members helping to push up the numbers by organising their own events.