WORK is set to begin next month on a new hospital garden designed to give vulnerable patients and their families a peaceful outdoor space.

Whittington Health Charity’s Sanctuary Garden will transform an unused courtyard at the Whittington Hospital into an accessible green space above the operating theatres.

Construction will begin with the manufacture of custom-designed planters which will form the centrepiece of the garden. The project is expected to be completed around the beginning of next spring.

The garden is intended for patients including people living with dementia, those recovering from critical illness and people receiving end of life care.

Families and hospital staff will also be able to use the space.

The contractor selected previously delivered the Outdoor Critical Care Roof Garden at King’s College Hospital. More than 10,000 people are expected to use the garden each year.