A Critical Care patient garden at Royal Preston Hospital has been transformed into a more relaxing space to aid patients in their rehabilitation pathway, with the help of funding from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity.
Following the expansion of the Critical Care unit, which was completed in 2021, there was a small patient garden which was often used for long-term patients in the 34-bed unit to facilitate their recovery – an area they could access with their families and the support of nursing and Allied Health Professional teams.
However, the garden was not very friendly or cheerful, surrounded by walls and a brown composite fence.
The area has been transformed using Charity funds, totalling around £16,000, into a more aesthetically pleasing one, complete with planters, plants and benches, so patients and their relatives have somewhere pleasant to enjoy the outside together.
The plants were chosen for their colour, aroma and the sound they made in the wind for a maximum sensory impact.
There was also careful consideration around how not to attract bees and similar insects which could pose a risk.
Sister Sharon Parkinson took the lead on the project and said: “The critical care patients’ garden now feels much more inviting for all our patients, their relatives, and their family pets to enjoy some outdoor time during their rehabilitation phase.
“The prospect of going outside can feel quite scary for some of our patients but this garden feels safe and private.
“The space is green, leafy and cheerful. The plants are all evergreen so will look at their best all year round and over time the plants will grow even bigger. The bench is also very inviting and a good place to rest for our more mobile patients.”
Head of Charities Dan Hill added: “I’m delighted to see the finished garden and want to express a huge thank you to all our donors and fundraisers who have contributed to making this fabulous garden possible.
“The aim was to create a relaxing and tranquil space for patients and staff to escape into aiding recuperation and providing a quiet and private space to clear their head and put a smile on their face, and this space does just that.”
