Bid to provide breath of fresh air for new mums (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Bid to provide breath of fresh air for new mums

TWO members of the maternity ward staff at Swindon's Great Western Hospital aim to add fresh air and sunshine to the experience of having a baby.

Nursing auxiliary Norma Smith and ward clerk Anne Lye are raising cash to turn a second floor courtyard outside the windows of Hazel Ward into a garden.

"It's supposed to be a place where patients can walk around, but nobody has been using it. This is a lovely building but this area has been looking a bit like part of a prison," said Norma.

"Many mums feel the need to get a breath of fresh air before they go to the delivery room and also after they've given birth."

The idea has been welcomed by Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, which runs the GWH, but there was no cash available to pay for it. So Norma and Ann launched an appeal.

The garden is expected to be ready by the end of this year. Norma and Ann are not sure how much it will cost but they're confident that generous Swindon people will dig deep into their pockets.

People who would like to contribute to the Mother and Baby Garden fund can phone Anne Lye or Norma Smith on 01793 604833.

"So we thought it would be a good idea to give it some raised flower beds and secluded seating.

"And there's a special need for those who don't have a happy outcome to their pregnancy. This will be a place where they and their partners can go.

"It will also benefit the staff."