New Outdoor Benches Donated to Arrowe Park Hospital by Wirral Rotary Club

Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) received a generous donation from The Wirral Rotary Club of two new outdoor benches as a thank you to staff for all their hard work over the last couple of years.  

The benches have been placed outside The Retreat at our Arrowe Park Hospital site to offer a serene and comfortable seating area which will be used by staff and visitors to the hospital. This contribution is part of the wider work to enhance wellbeing spaces at the hospital and provides a tranquil space staff and visitors to sit.

Keith Foggin of the Rotary Club of West Wirral said: "The tireless efforts of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on me. I was deeply moved by their dedication and resilience. Recognising the need for a lasting tribute to their extraordinary efforts, I approached the CEO of Wirral University Teaching Hospital.

“Learning of the Trust's plan to transform a restaurant and outdoor space into a sanctuary for staff and visitors, I felt compelled to act. Drawing upon my longstanding affiliation with Rotary, I proposed the idea of soliciting contributions from local club members. Together, we rallied support, and raised the money to furnish the outdoor space.”

In conjunction with Rotary Wirral's donation, CityBuild, led by Mike Haslam and his dedicated team, paved the grass area by The Retreat and installed vibrant planters for free to complement the seating environment.

Andrew Field, Business Manager at CityBuild, expressed their delight in being part of this project: "CityBuild was delighted to pave the grassed area and install planters outside The Retreat. We hope visitors to Arrowe Park feel we have enhanced the seating area by adding some colour to it."

Paul Mason, Director of Estates at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, said: "The Trust would like to express our deepest gratitude for the generous donation from the Wirral Rotary Club. This contribution has made it possible for us to purchase two new benches to enhance the outdoor living space at our newly refurbished Restaurant ‘The Retreat’.

“Your support will significantly improve the experience of our patients, staff, and visitors, providing them with a comfortable and inviting outdoor area to enjoy. We are truly thankful for your commitment to our hospital and the community we serve. The impact of your generosity will be felt by all who visit our hospital, and we are incredibly appreciative of the positive difference your donation will make. Once again, thank you for your kindness and support.”

On CityBuild’s involvement, Paul Mason added: “CityBuild’s support has played a crucial role in creating an inviting and appealing area that we anticipate will become a highly popular and cherished space, especially during the upcoming summer months. Your commitment to our project has not gone unnoticed, and we are truly thankful for the dedication and expertise that CityBuild has brought to this endeavour.

“With your help, we have been able to enhance our hospital environment, providing a welcoming outdoor space for our patients, staff, and visitors to enjoy.”

The Retreat restaurant is a recent addition to Arrowe Park Hospital and serves as a haven for staff and volunteers, fostering wellbeing and relaxation. It was funded partly by the WUTH Charity and Wirral Globe COVID-19 Appeal and NHS Charities Together national urgent COVID-19 appeal. The refurbishment of The Retreat stands as a testament to the resilience and generosity of the community during the pandemic.

The unveiling of these benches marks another milestone in WUTH's journey towards enhancing patient and staff experiences.

Pictured in header left to right: Kara Dulson, Estates, Facilities and Capitals planning Matron, Paul Mason, Director of Estates, Facilities & Capital Planning, Chris Stone of the Rotary Club of West Wirral, Keith Foggin of the Rotary Club of West Wirral.