The Princess Royal has visited three hospitals in Gloucestershire, to thank staff for their hard work over the past year.

Firstly, at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (GRH), The Princess Royal official opened a new garden that commemorates loved ones lost to COVID-19, and marks the contribution of NHS staff and carers in the county who’ve cared for people so compassionately during the pandemic. The garden has been designed by The Black Gardener, Danny Clarke

The Princess Royal then visited the nearby Wotton Lawn Hospital, to speak to healthcare professionals from Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Finally, Her Royal Highness visited Cheltenham General Hospital (CGH), to see the hundreds of commemorative wire dandelions that have been placed in an open green space, each bearing a tribute to a loved one who lost their life to COVID-19.

Dandelions have a special place in the hearts of families who lost someone close to them during this pandemic. With patients unable to be with their loved ones, Every Name A Person was a vow by the NHS in Gloucestershire to get to know something special about every patient and ensure nobody died alone. As part of this, a set of carved wooden dandelions were commissioned - one went with each patient who sadly passed away and a second sent to their family. Her Royal Highness laid a dandelion during the visit.

Dr Hina Iftikhar, Chief Registrar at GRH, said: “It’s incredibly important for families and friends of loved ones lost to COVID-19 have a space where they can visit and reflect. The pandemic has taken its toll on so many of us and in such different ways. Many of my colleagues both here in our hospitals and in the community have had the most challenging of times. I’m grateful that her Royal Highness recognised this today.”

Alexandra Hayes, Respiratory High Care Ward Manager at GRH, added: “Her Royal Highness was genuinely interested in our work and was very grateful for all that we’ve done over the last year. While these have been difficult times for so many, today’s visit was uplifting and it’s something I’ll remember for a long time.

Atique Miah, Muslim Chaplain at GRH & CGH, said: “So many people in our community have been affected by this pandemic. The effect will be felt in the months and years that follow. Yet there is hope and as we emerge from the last year I’m struck by the compassion, kindness and generosity shown by the community during a time of great personal tragedy and difficulty.”

Nurse Nisma Mathew at CGH added: “The garden is tranquil yet inspiring at the same time. I hope this resonates with those families who’ve been through so much and my colleagues who’ve gave so much in the last year.”

The commemorative garden at the GRH is sunken with a hoggin path and has a woodland feel. It gives a sense of intimacy and protection. In the centre of the glade is a steel wire dandelion seedhead, designed by Dursley artists Sadie Kitchen and Jackie Lantelli. The garden was made possible following the Commemorative Dandelion Appeal run by the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity.