Ground Control creates new welfare garden for Ridgeway Hospital Oncology patients
Ground Control has transformed an outdoor area at Ridgeway Hospital into a new welfare garden, providing oncology patients and their families with a welcoming space to relax and spend time outdoors during treatment.
As part of its ongoing partnership with Circle Health Group, Ground Control delivers commercial grounds maintenance and extra works at Ridgeway Hospital. Following the recent expansion of the hospital's oncology department, a new outdoor area was created, presenting an opportunity for Ground Control to volunteer its expertise and help develop a meaningful space that enhances the patient experience.
Designed by Ground Control Quantity Surveyor Chris Hutton, the project transformed a hard-landscaped patio into a therapeutic garden through a series of simple yet impactful improvements, all provided and installed by Ground Control.
The enhancements included the installation of a new pergola, creating a shaded space where patients can receive treatment comfortably outdoors. Fully planted raised planters were also introduced to maximise greenery within the constraints of the existing hard landscape.
The planting scheme was carefully selected to deliver a rich sensory experience. This includes fragrant lavender and roses, ornamental grasses to add texture and movement, and climbing plants that help create a greater sense of privacy and tranquillity for patients.
The welfare garden has been designed to support the wellbeing of patients and their families, offering a peaceful retreat away from the clinical environment while treatment is underway. Ridgeway Hospital plans to continue developing the space with further improvements in the future.
Elizebeth Rugg, Executive Director at Ridgeway Hospital shared:
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer just before Christmas 2025. Overnight, I found myself becoming a patient, as well as the Executive Director at Ridgeway Hospital. Seeing our hospital from the patient’s perspective has strengthened my passion for what we do as a Hospital and as a Group. It has shown me, in the most personal way, the profound difference that compassionate, coordinated, human‑centred care makes to patients and to the families and friends who walk alongside them.
This project is therefore deeply personal to me. This garden sanctuary reflects our commitment to caring for the whole person, not just treating their cancer. When people told me the treating the cancer part would one day feel like 'the easier bit' I was more than sceptical. I was wrong.
I hope it provides patients and families with a little boost, whether that's a peaceful space to pause, reflect and draw strength from nature, or, as I discovered during treatment, an excuse to volunteer someone else for the weekend watering rota!
Sarah, Director of Clinical Services at Ridgeway Hospital, shared:
Speaking about the project, Chris Hutton said:
I am really proud of how the space has come together and proud to have volunteered as part of this meaningful project. As a business, we create environments that positively impact people's wellbeing, and it's great to be able to do that at Ridgeway Hospital.
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