OUH volunteers transform Churchill garden

Volunteers are vital to Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), and we are always grateful for their contribution and support to help us deliver excellent compassionate care. 

We have a significant number of volunteers who provide invaluable support across our four hospital sites. Their contributions range from maintaining our grounds and enhancing the hospital environment, to assisting with fundraising efforts, welcoming and guiding visitors, and spending time with our patients, among other support.

The recent transformation of a garden near the Blenheim Head and Neck Outpatient Department at the Churchill Hospital has once again highlighted some of the brilliant work our volunteers do. The restorative project was funded by the Volunteer Services Charity Fund and carried out by three of our volunteers – David Goddard, Julie Furze, and Jackie Bowman.

The work included pruning the overgrown shrubs, restoring the benches, and putting in new plants – resulting in a neat, serene spot for patients and staff alike.

David Goddard said: "This work was a challenge – but I'm pleased to say we did our very best to restore [the garden]. We came here once, sometimes twice, a week for months but there's work that we were doing in our own time – for example, I did some of the woodwork in my workshop. Now we will continue to maintain it on a weekly basis."

Julie Furze said: "Working in this space has been just as rewarding for us as it is for the patients and staff here. It has been such a pleasure to bring this transformation to life. We have planted flowers that will hopefully bloom in spring and will make the space so welcoming."

Jackie Bowman said: "The response we have been receiving, especially from staff, has made this piece of work even more special. There's always a project or initiative to take up around here – it gives us something to work on and enjoy while contributing to improving people's experience."

Doreen Murigu, Acting Sister at the Blenheim Head and Neck Outpatient Department, said: "The garden is appreciated by both staff and patients alike. Staff often come here to enjoy their breaks, and patients and visitors come here to spend some time. We are grateful to David, Julie, and Jackie for creating this space for our patients and staff where they can get some peace and quiet and enjoy some nature."

Brecken (Lee) Waston, Healthcare Assistant at the Blenheim Head and Neck Outpatient Department, said: "This garden is now truly a therapeutic space. We haven't had time to tend to the garden in the busy hospital environment, but thanks to the volunteers, we now have space to sit down, away from the hustle and bustle."

Bridget Daly, Voluntary Services Manager, said: "We are always looking for areas we can support and place the volunteers depending on their aptitude, skills, and role vacancies. Our volunteers are of all ages and backgrounds, and have a variety of reasons for offering their time. They make a real difference in the care we provide with their compassionate contributions, and their knowledge and skills.

"We are so pleased by the outcome of this project. A big thank you to David, Julie, and Jackie, and all our volunteers."

More information on volunteering at Oxford University Hospitals is on our website:

Volunteering - Oxford University Hospitals (ouh.nhs.uk)

Watch the video of the transformation in our Facebook post.