Your local hospital – the West Suffolk – appeals for bulb donations

April 14^th, 2003

West Suffolk Hospital is appealing for people to donate bulbs for planting in a ‘Welcome Garden’ at the front of the hospital.

The idea is the brainchild of Betty Lawson, the patient representative on the Hospital’s Brighter Living Committee.

“About twenty years ago I went to a hospital in London and the approach to the main building almost took my breath away, as it was completely covered with beautiful flowers in bloom,” said Betty. “The Spring display was amazing, stretching right the way up the drive. Many people came back to the hospital with offerings to be planted as their personal thank you for the care of their loved ones.

“When I again had to visit the hospital in the autumn, the mass of autumn flowering bulbs which had been donated were a heart-warming site. I thought this was wonderful, as it is often a frightening thing to go into hospital for an operation and flowers are a great helper.

“It struck me as a waste that all the cut flowers which people bring to hospital only live for a few days and then have to be thrown away. I thought that if people brought pots of bulbs rather than flowers to patients, then the bulb could be planted outside the front of the hospital once the patient had left. It would then reappear year after year, giving a cheerful welcome to anyone visiting the hospital.”

Betty’s suggestion was welcomed by hospital managers, who agreed that it was an innovative and effective way to brighten up the environment.

“We are grateful to Betty for her ideas, and accordingly are appealing to people to donate bulbs for planting at the front of the hospital,” said Geraldine Debenham, voluntary services manager.  “We have put a collection tub at the volunteers’ desk in the entrance foyer of the hospital for people to leave their bulbs. Anyone who donates can sign a book recording their contribution towards the Welcome Garden.

“We hope that visitors will choose to give bulbs and potted plants to their friends and relatives in hospital instead of cut flowers, to help make the West Suffolk Hospital a more immediately friendly and welcoming place.”

To find out more about the Welcome Garden, contact Geraldine Debenham on 01284 713206.