Bodmin Hospital unveils lasting memorial for lives lost during Covid-19 pandemic
The new additions include a plaque, memorial picnic table and apple trees
Last updated 21st Oct 2022
Bodmin Hospital has unveiled a lasting memorial to the lives lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A memorial celebration took place in the summer in the hospital's gardens to pay tribute to Garner Ward patients, including the nine patients who died with Covid.
In the sunshine, staff, patients, and their loved ones came together, along with the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Spiritual and Pastoral team, to give thanks to all the patients who have made Garner Ward such a special place.
Dr Andrew Greenhill, Lead Principal Psychologist for Garner Ward, commented: "It was a very moving day.
"We were delighted to be joined by many family members and two former patients who survived COVID-19 and have since moved back home. It was great to see them so well, and they both obviously enjoyed meeting again in these happier circumstances."
Included in the celebration was an afternoon tea with Cornish pasties, and the chance to unveil a memorial picnic table, plaque, and apple trees in the hospital gardens. These new garden additions were bought by the charitable donations from the family of patients on the ward.
Dr Greenhill continued: "It was also important to thank the nursing staff and health care assistants during our celebrations for performing above and beyond all expectations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"It was a very difficult and sad time, which we will not forget. The people who worked on the ward put their health and wellbeing at risk and worked countless hours in incredibly difficult and unprecedented circumstances. They cannot be thanked enough."