PEH Ivy Garden paths accessible for wheelchairs and prams
WHEELCHAIR and pram users should now find access to the Ivy Garden in the hospital grounds much easier, after new pathways were laid.
Stonebond Guernsey had been working on the garden, which previously had a loose gravel and dirt walkway.
This has now been replaced with a resin bond granite, secured by plastic shuttering.
The new pathway will be easier to maintain and much better for wheelchairs and prams.
Stonebond owner Tim Leadbeater said that previously it would have been difficult for any wheelchairs or prams to easily access the garden.
‘Lots of equipment was donated. We had concrete donated by Ronez, with Martin from MC Concrete delivering it. CDS donated the plastic shuttering and Pressureworx cleaned all the slabs.
‘It has all really helped and it has halved the cost,’ he said.
The garden provides a place for reflection and remembrance for parents and families.
Ivy Trust trustee Shelley Samson said that the garden was an important place of comfort.
‘Miscarriages at under 16 weeks aren’t really recorded, so our plaques in the garden actually validate the babies,’ she said.
‘It’s a really important place for families to have and to reflect.’
More improvements are now planned for the area.
‘The pathways were the first part of ongoing work. We’re going to be putting plants to smell and feel in, we’re going to get it repainted, and we’re getting a gardener in.
‘We want butterflies and we want water features, a real haven so that mothers and families can enjoy it.'
It has been discovered that some people have not beein using the garden for its official purpose.
‘Sadly we have found that some people are abusing the garden and we have been talking with the States about that.
'We will have to do something about it if nothing changes,' said Mrs Samson.
Despite this, the trust will continue improving its garden.
‘We are extremely grateful and send a heartfelt thank you to Stonebond and all involved.
‘The path creates a more inclusive safe space which can be easily accessible for wheelchairs and prams,’ she added.
