This in from the IW NHS, in their own words. Ed
The 32 foot tree, one of the largest on the Island, was donated by Thompson Garden Centres and is a 27 year old Island tree from Shide Trees.
Peter Alexander, Manager of Shide Trees and Thompson Garden Centre said:
“This is the third year we have donated the tree to St. Mary’s and this is one of the, if not the, biggest Christmas trees on the Island. We’re really pleased to be involved with St. Mary’s Hospital and wish everyone a very happy Christmas.”
The tree was erected by Island based Groundsell Contracting.
Managing Director Pete Groundsell commented:
“We’ve been helping to put up the Christmas tree at St. Mary’s for the last eight years. We all benefit from the care provided by staff at St. Mary’s and across the Island by Isle of Wight NHS Trust and we’d like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas.”
Isle of Wight NHS Trust Estates, Building and Grounds Foreman Steve Beare said:
“Thompson Garden Centres, Shide Trees and Groundsell Contracting all donate their time and expertise free of charge. We greatly welcome their assistance in this annual exercise which starts the Christmas season at St. Mary’s. This year we have new halogen lights on the tree which are easier to put up and eco friendly. Indeed using an Island tree reduces our carbon footprint as we don’t need to import a tree from the mainland. A big thank you to both Thompson Garden Centres and Groundsell for their support.”
Islanders, patients and staff are invited to attend the Trust’s Carol Service, featuring the NHS Nightingales, which takes place on Thursday 18th December at 7:00p.m. in the Full Circle Restaurant at St. Mary’s Hospital.
The majority of services provided by Isle of Wight NHS Trust are commissioned and funded by Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS England and Isle of Wight Council.
