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A garden for patients at Royal Preston Hospital has received a makeover, thanks to funding from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity.
The Critical Care garden has been transformed into a more relaxing space to aid patients in their rehabilitation pathway.
The £16,000 transformation has seen new plants, benches and planters so patients and their relatives have somewhere pleasant to enjoy the outside together.
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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 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.”
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The Critical Care unit was expanded in 2021, with a small garden used by long-term patients in the 34-bed unit.
The old garden was described as ‘not very friendly or cheerful’ surrounded by walls and a brown fence.
Now the space has had a makeover, with plans chosen for their colour, aroma and the sound they make in the wind.
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.”
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