Patient rotunda unveiled at Eidsvold Hospital

A garden is now being designed to ensure suitability for elderly patients.

Dot Hamilton in the new patient rotunda at Eidsvold Hospital, funded by the Hospital Auxiliary, which had received a Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant. Picture: Alex Treacy

A PROJECT to beautify the front garden of Eidsvold Hospital has reached its first milestone after the completion of a small rotunda so patients can spend time outside.

Eidsvold Hospital Auxiliary secretary Dot Hamilton said she originally worried the structure was on the small side, but was now convinced it was the perfect size for patients to be able to talk with each other while enjoying the fresh air.

"We're so grateful to all the people who helped us plan and who worked on the project,” Mrs Hamilton said.

"It's so beautiful and went up so quickly.”

The front lawn has been levelled and a walking path constructed in preparation for landscaping works to begin.

Director of nursing Nicci Maher said the next steps included the installation of sprinkler systems in the area, and hiring a landscape gardener to "ensure the gardens meet the needs of our aged-care residents”.

This will involve liaising with dementia and aged-care providers to ensure the gardens are suitable and can be maintained in the hospital's environment.

Mrs Hamilton said the auxiliary and the hospital had a good working relationship.

"Anything they ask us about getting, we try and help them,” she said.

She praised the quality of their staff.

"Country staff seem to take a personal interest in everyone.”

Mrs Hamilton said she hoped a white commemorative rock which listed the names of deceased residents of the hospital would form a centrepiece of the new garden.

The rotunda and landscaping is being funded by a grant to the auxiliary from the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.