Company 'donated their services' for hospital garden clean-up

THE grass at Annan Hospital Garden has finally been cut thanks to an unnamed good-hearted company.

It comes following a number of community concerns raised about its recent condition.

Members of Annan Community munity Council, patients and visitors to the hospital expressed outdoor improvements had been needed for some time.

Previously, Neil Carruthers, chairman of the town’s community council, said: “I understand that the ongoing budget cuts means there’s less resource for grounds maintenance, but I feel that Annan Hospital should be in a better condition.”

But after a recent site visit, Mr Carruthers said ‘no further effort’ is required at the moment.

A NHS spokesman confirmed a company donated their services.

The spokesman said: “A company with which we have a prior relationship has kindly donated their services to do some one-off grass cutting at Annan Cottage Hospital.”

To help deliver £23.1 million in savings, NHS Dum- fries and Galloway Health & Social Care Partnership has said previously that it has reduced grounds maintenance across its entire estate as part of a wider effort to prioritise and protect patient care.

A spokesperson from The Health Board said sustainable options are being ex- plored for Annan Hospital garden and information about this will be delivered when they are in a position to do so.