A section of the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) was transformed into a much-needed green space on Labour Day.

The work, which included planting of grass, flowers and trees, and installing seating, was undertaken by the Friends of KPH in collaboration with the Kingston Chapter of the Lay Magistrates Association, the Kiwanis Club of New Kingston, and MPM Waste Management Ltd.

In an interview with JIS News, senior medical officer (SMO) at the hospital, Dr Natalie Whylie, said the hospital was pleased to benefit from the collaborative effort.

She said the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd also assisted with the trimming and planting of tress.

"We are very happy to have these partners on board with us as we seek to improve the aesthetics of the hospital, which is very important in the delivery of health care. We hope that patients and their relatives will utilise this area," she said. The SMO pointed out that the green space will also benefit hospital staff.

President of the Friends of KPH, Opal Davis, told JIS News that the group made the decision to create the green space to give the hospital a 'softer image'. "When we approached MPM Waste Management, they immediately consented to do the landscaping. The area, which previously had concrete benches and dirt, was upgraded. The existing benches were painted, board benches with tables were installed along with the plants," she informed.

For his part, regional operations manager at MPM Waste Management Limited, Adrian Grant, informed that the work began on May 20.

"We recognised that it would take more than one day to get it all done, so we started the preparatory work, which included the building of ramps for the easy movement of the gurneys that are used to transport patients. We also laid paving stones to provide for that smoother passage. Today, we are landscaping and planting flowers,"

Nursing Supervisor Sharlene Richards, who was part of the work team, said the nurses 'are not just about patient care'.