THE garden at Tavistock Hospital is to be given a long-awaited transformation to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The garden at the back of the hospital in Spring Hill currently presents access problems for patients because of its uneven gravel and steep lawn.

A group of nurses and other staff at the hospital have decided to set about renovating the garden for the benefit of patients, visitors and staff.

Those behind the project hope to complete the work with a band of volunteers over a four-day period from Thursday, August 8, to Sunday, August 11. The rejuvenation project is still at an early stage, co-ordinator Jan Summers said they were still working out what people wanted in the new garden and how this could best be achieved.

The group's aim was to, at least, make access to the garden easier for patients and smarten it up and provide a patio area with benches. Mrs Summers hoped they would be able to effect a real transformation, with meandering steps down the garden to reduce the slope, and a water feature.

Jenny Base, a theatre nurse at the hospital, said:'Currently, it is a fairly uninspiring place, access is difficult for the elderly and disabled, and there is no shelter and no seating.'

Mrs Base said the hospital had been decorated recently, with a new set of front doors, but the garden had tended to be 'overlooked'.

An NHS estates management team comes from Plymouth to ensure the garden is maintained, but with a number of priorities they can only manage to keep the grass under control, not undertake the major overhaul of the large garden which staff say is needed.

Mrs Base said many of the hospital's patients 'would dearly love to get outside for many different reasons, not least a little private solace'.

Access to the garden for patients has been a problem, but a stairlift is planned to be installed to allow those who have previously found it difficult to get outside from their ward.

Nurse manager Mrs Summers said: 'It's a real community-supported hospital, partners and friends say they will help.

'It could be a nice garden, we are unable at the moment to make the most of it,' she added.

Mrs Summers said patients would also be able to get involved: 'We hope patients will be able to get involved in gardening as part of the occupational therapy programme.'

The hospital staff have applied for a lottery grant and another grant from a small communities fund sponsored by B & Q, and are waiting to hear if their bids have been successful.

Mrs Summers intends to contact local gardening clubs, businesses and community groups to see if they can help. The garden projcect committee will form a directory of volunteers and anyone who would like to put their name forward to give help or support is asked to contact her at the hospital on 01822 612233.

The plan is to gather a workforce together between August 8 to 11, and start operation jubilee garden, culminating with a community barbecue in the new surroundings.