PATIENTS with learning disabilities at Queen Margaret Hospital have been helping to improve the environment and learn new skills by getting involved in a community gardening project.

Led by occupational therapists from Lynebank Hospital, the project has focused on developing a large piece of ground outside the hospital’s main entrance into an attractively landscaped area filled with plants and shrubs.

Patients from Daleview at Lynebank have played a key role, designing the garden layout and suggesting appropriate plants as well as working alongside gardeners from Fife landscaping company T&N Gilmartin and NHS staff in the planting.

Lynda English, NHS Fife learning disabilities occupational therapist, said, “A great deal of thought and planning has gone into developing the outdoor area at Queen Margaret Hospital, along with a lot of hard work. In little over a month more than 600 plants, shrubs and grasses have been planted.

“Patients have designed the layout, suggested a variety of plants which look good throughout the year, learnt about various aspects of health and safety and taken part in the planting.

“A project like this gives people with learning disabilities the opportunity to learn skills and develop these further. As well as increasing confidence and self-esteem, it can also help with future employment opportunities.”