Fife nurse wins garden makeover for Covid-19 work in new campaign

Annie Haslam, who is married with two teenage children, was chosen as a winning finalist by initiative organiser Greenbelt because of her amazing work as a senior charge nurse at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, where she helps to manage 11 operating theatres.

The free garden upgrade ‘Guardians for Gardens’ campaign was set up by the land management company to say thank you to the wonderful and courageous NHS employees who’ve been helping to keep people stay safe throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Annie, who’s worked for the NHS for 29 years and lives in Greenbelt’s Mid Duloch development in Dunfermline, said: “During Covid-19 my working week increased and day and night shift patterns often meant the days in between were just about readjusting before the shifts started again.

“We’ve totally adjusted how we work and it’s part of our role to deal with Covid-19 patients on a daily basis, as theatres, in effect, became ICU and high dependency units. Fortunately, with the situation improving, my hours have returned to more normal.

“I’m just so grateful and overwhelmed they’ve gone to the trouble of nominating me. It’s an amazing feeling to be part of the NHS during these difficult times and to feel so appreciated, along with many other key workers.”

Peter, the Greenbelt contractor, talked through the garden makeover with Annie and together came up with a plan.

Annie continued: “The results are just stunning and more than we could have imagined. We chose timber sleepers for the walls and around the decking and the effect is fantastic.

“The beautiful newly laid lawn and low maintenance choice of shrubs and plants just finishes it off perfectly. We cannot express our thanks enough to Greenbelt and the great team who did the work. They finished it in less than a week, working through some horrendous weather on a couple of days and have done a great job.”

She added: “We’re just so grateful for the thoughtful nomination and it is nice to know the NHS is appreciated so much.”

Colin Thomson, Greenbelt managing director, said: “As a business we’ve lots of exciting developments, but right now we wanted to show our heartfelt appreciation to our NHS heroes.

“We’re delighted we’ve been able to give Annie a relaxing, beautiful, green space where she and her family can fully enjoy all of the benefits of the great outdoors.”

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