Hospital market opens for business

Jul 3 2009 by Julie Watt, Dumfries Standard Friday

A MARKET stall opened at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary this week for staff, visitors and patients.

The Dumfries town centre-based shop, The Allotment, will pitch up outside the hospital every Wednesday to sell locally grown potatoes amongst other things.

The high street and satellite shop is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers and supported by its organisers Nithsdale Council of Voluntary Service and NHS Dumfries and Galloway.

It does not just sell fruit and veg from local producers but also acts as a hub to teach the public how to cook, as well the values of nutrition.

Health Improvement Programme Leader at NHS Dumfries and Galloway Phil Myers, said: “Healthy eating plays an important role in achieving a healthy lifestyle.

“The weekly stall will provide a great opportunity for staff, patients and visitors to access fresh fruit and vegetables and help people achieve the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

“The market stall has been established through an innovative partnership. The shop in Dumfries town centre has been a huge success and we are confident DGRI will be the same.”

Manager of the Allotment Greg Clark said: “We are looking forward to continuing our excellent partnership with NHS Dumfries and Galloway. There are two important strands to this project, with staff, patients and visitors having increased access to quality fruit and vegetables and secondly, the market stall will provide the local community with a further volunteering opportunity.”

The market will be open between 9.30am and 2.45pm.