A SPECIAL festive tribute has been paid to a late social worker who was instrumental in creating a glorious garden for IRH patients and staff to enjoy.

The Rainbow Garden at the Larkfield Unit has been given a poignant makeover just in time for Christmas, bringing joy to patients.

Six dedicated volunteers, including two staff members, transformed the tranquil space into a winter wonderland complete with an impressive tree, festive lanterns and eye-catching holly wreaths.

Social worker Fiona McInnes loved the garden and had helped to transform the courtyard area of the Larkfield Unit, before she sadly passed away suddenly earlier this year.

As part of the festive design, occupational therapist Sandra Forbes and a team of volunteers wanted to make sure a special memorial for one of the project's biggest supporters was included.

Sandra, who is also the Rainbow Garden co-ordinator, said: “We wanted to make sure that Fiona was always part of the garden going forward.

"She loved it here and her office looked on to the garden too.

"She said every time she looked out it help to change her outlook on things.

"Sandra was such a big supporter of the project.

“After she passed away suddenly, her husband Ian, his colleagues and her family made a donation in her name and we wanted to use this to purchase the new Christmas decorations and spread joy to the patients, staff and visitors here.”

The Larkfield Unit is home to stroke services, the neuro-rehabilitation unit and medicine for the elderly wards for Inverclyde.

Its garden has become a favourite with patients, their families, visitors and staff members alike.

Local businesses, groups and volunteers have given up their time, made donations or even provided items to be used in the space, transforming it into a tranquil haven where people can spend time.

As winter arrived the team wanted to ensure they were still making the most of the space, which patients are enjoying from the warmth of the Larkfield Unit.

Lorna Collins, a support worker at IRH and garden volunteer, said: “As Christmas approached we wanted to make sure we were still making use of the garden, because it has become so important to the patients, visitors and staff here.

"We are so lucky to have so many people who are passionate about this project within our hospital community and the wider Inverclyde community.

“It is colder now so we don’t have patients out in the garden at the moment, but the decorations and bird feeders make sure that it’s still an engaging space.

"I was with a patient who remarked that it was nearly time for 'her birds' to visit, she looks forward to them coming to eat every day.

“We want to take people’s minds away from being in hospital and I think the Christmas makeover is bringing some joy to those here.”

The Rainbow Garden volunteer group meet every Wednesday between 5pm and 7pm at the Larkfield Unit, for anyone who would like to join them or make a contribution.

Louise Watson, IRH site lead, said: “We are so lucky to have a team of volunteers so dedicated to the garden at the Larkfield Unit here at Inverclyde Royal Hospital and we love the new festive look.

"The garden has become a hugely popular place for our patients, their loved ones and visitors to spend time.

"It is also hugely appreciated by our hard-working staff who regularly use the garden."