Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s outdoor spaces are set to look even better thanks to a new in-house Grounds and Gardens service launched by the DSFS Estates team.

For many years, landscape maintenance across the hospital site has been delivered by an external contractor. Previously DSFS had used an external provider but the Estates team identified an opportunity to bring the work in-house, reducing costs while enhancing the responsiveness of grounds maintenance.

The move is expected to save approximately £40,000 each year while providing more than 1,000 additional hours of labour dedicated to maintaining the hospital’s courtyards, car parks, green spaces and grassed areas to a high standard.

The new service has already expanded the Estates workforce, with two full-time Grounds and Gardens team members joining the department. In addition, a member of the semi-skilled Buildings team has received specialist training and equipment induction to provide operational cover when required.

Steve Hustler, Director of Operations, said: “I am proud of the Estates team for taking this opportunity and working hard to make it a reality. It is the start of a journey of real improvement.

“It is important that we deliver an environment that reflects our standards and values. I look forward to us all enjoying the benefits it offers to our patients, visitors and colleagues.”

To support the new service, the team has invested in a range of specialist equipment, including a ride-on mower, push mower, hedge cutters, strimmers, leaf blowers and a range of hand and power tools. The ride-on mower also features a road-sweeping brush attachment, while a “Billy Goat” vacuum system helps keep paths and roads clear of leaves and debris.

The majority of the equipment is battery powered, supporting DSFS’s commitment to more sustainable ways of working. Team members have also been equipped with specialist personal protective equipment (PPE), including high-visibility anti-cut clothing, helmets with visors and ear defenders, protective gloves and safety footwear.

A bespoke high-sided trailer is also due to be delivered, further enhancing the team’s capabilities.

Rather than purchasing an additional vehicle, the Grounds and Gardens team is making use of the hospital’s existing Land Rover recovery vehicle as part of a collaborative approach with the Security team, ensuring resources are used efficiently.

Looking ahead, the team is excited about opportunities to improve the site’s ecology and support local wildlife. Plans are being explored to create a wildflower meadow area and introduce planting schemes that encourage biodiversity across the hospital estate.

The development marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Estates team, with ambitions to further develop the service and continue improving the hospital environment for everyone who visits, works or receives care at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.