St Andrew’s Hospital unveils memorial garden for staff and patients who lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic in Northampton

A memorial garden was created in remembrance of the patients and staff at St Andrew's Hospital who lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

St Andrew’s Hospital, in Northampton, unveiled a memorial garden on December 14 to remember the staff and patients who lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

The CEO of St Andrew’s Healthcare, Katie Fisher, said that they initially planned to hold a big event where people could come together to remember both staff and patients who passed on throughout 2020. This, however, could not go ahead as a result of covid restrictions.

Staff were, however, able to proceed with opening up the memorial garden.

Ms Fisher said: “We still wanted to mark this occasion with the planting of a tree and the establishment of these benches to create a really lovely reflective place for people to come.”

Benches have been placed in the garden where people can go to pay their respects and some beech trees were planted by the hospital grounds team in the centre.

One of the chaplains at St Andrew’s Hospital, Reverend Philip Evans - at the opening of the memorial garden - said: “We are gathered here on a peaceful sunny December morning to reflect on the whole of 2020, which has been a difficult, painful and even a tragic year. Every year brings a mixture of joy and sorrow but we’ve had more than our fair share this year.

“It’s important to remember things and this bench in the memory of the patients and the staff who died during the 2020 COVID pandemic - it’s a beautiful thing in these beautiful grounds.”

One of the benches placed in the memorial garden were donated from family members to thank St Andrew’s Healthcare staff for the care their loved one received.

Ms Fisher added: “I was humbled and privileged to be part of the memorial service for our staff and patients who have sadly passed away from COVID-19.

“Inspired by Robinson Ward, our wonderful grounds team have created a memorial garden with a tree and bench to remember those we’ve lost as well as signifying new beginnings and hope for the future.”