Emergency department staff garden transformed thanks to partnership with Beard

Emergency Department staff at the Royal United Hospitals Bath can now enjoy a welcoming and peaceful outdoor space to rest and recharge, thanks to a collaboration between Beard Construction, RUHX and the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust.

The project was made possible through our ongoing relationship with the RUH, where we are delivering several construction projects across the hospital site. During the works, we identified an opportunity to support staff wellbeing by revitalising the Emergency Department's staff garden, demonstrating our commitment to creating social value.

The Emergency Department is one of the hospital's busiest and most demanding areas, with teams providing exceptional care and compassion to patients and families every day. However, the garden intended for staff breaks had become overgrown and was rarely used.

Recognising the pressures faced by frontline staff, we set out to create an engaging and welcoming space where teams could pause and recharge.

"As a team, we prioritise wellbeing and social engagement, and projects like this not only support local communities, but are hugely rewarding for us to deliver too," Martin added. "We’re grateful for the opportunity to use our time and expertise beyond the site hoardings at the hospital.”

Working in partnership with RUH Bath, our team and subcontractors transformed the space by clearing weeds and overgrowth, installing new fencing, laying fresh gravel and paving, creating a decking area, and providing new tables, chairs, parasols, planters and planting.

The result is a peaceful outdoor retreat where staff can step away from the pressures of frontline care, enjoy some fresh air and take a moment to recharge. Martin added: "We hope this garden becomes a place colleagues can relax, recharge and take a well-earned moment for themselves."

For the Emergency Department team, the impact has been immediate.

Karen Arkle, Healthcare Support Worker in the Emergency Department, said: "The refurbishment of the Emergency Department garden has completely transformed the space. It now feels so much more inviting, comfortable and welcoming for staff. In such a busy and often demanding environment, having access to a calm outdoor space where we can step away for a few moments, reset and recharge is incredibly valuable."

RUHX, the official charity of the Royal United Hospitals Bath, worked closely with Beard and the Trust to help bring the project to life.

Natalie, Matron in the Emergency Department, echoed those thanks, adding: "Our heartfelt thanks to Beard Construction for your generosity and support. Your kindness has transformed an important area into a welcoming, peaceful space that we can all come to, to recharge and reset. We are truly grateful for the time, effort and support you've shown."

More than an improvement to the hospital environment, the transformed garden represents a lasting investment in staff wellbeing. It provides a dedicated place for reflection, rest and recovery for the team members who spend their days caring for others, ensuring they too have the opportunity to take a moment for themselves during challenging shifts.