PATIENTS at a Worcester hospice have been enjoying the spring sunshine in their own private patios.

All rooms at the in-patient unit at St Richard’s Hospice in Wildwood Drive have been designed with views of the hospice’s peaceful garden and pond along with a private patio which beds can be wheeled onto.

With particularly nice weather over the past week or so, patients along with their friends and family members as well as staff have been particularly enjoying the chance to enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

The hospice also has a wildlife pond where ducks a frequent visitors and every year families of ducklings are cared for by their parents in the gardens.

The hospice’s care director June Patel said this year 24 ducklings have been hatched.

“The beautiful gardens are an integral part of our caring philosophy,” she said.

“The peace and tranquillity of the natural environment complements the emotional and spiritual support we offer our patients and their loved ones.

“At times when one might feel overwhelmed by emotions, the hospice’s grounds offer space to take a few minutes away from a stressful situation and to find comfort in the patterns and seasons of nature.”

The gardens are maintained by a dedicated team of 10 volunteers, each of whom is delegated different zones to tend, maintain, water and weed.

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for more than 2,600 patients living with life-threatening illnesses and their families every year.

For more information call 01905 769 963 or visit www.strichards.org.uk.