New garden a welcome bonus for Hospital patients

July 4, 2001

Patients at the West Suffolk Hospital received a welcome bonus this week when a raised garden was opened in the courtyard of a rehabilitation ward.

Wards G6 and G7 care for patients recovering from strokes or other serious illnesses.  The garden was completed last week with money from a trust fund left by a previous patient.

“The idea for the garden came from a member of staff, who thought it would be good if patients had somewhere that they could sit outside in nice weather and maybe do a bit of gardening,” said Sister Bethell.  “So far it has proved very popular with our patients, many of whom really enjoy pottering in the garden.  If they are feeling well enough, then they are able to plant flowers or do a bit of weeding.  It gives a boost to their self-esteem and confidence to be doing something worthwhile whilst helping their rehabilitation towards independence.”

“We are hoping to get a bench to go in the garden soon so that patients and their families can sit outside and enjoy the flora.  It really has made the atmosphere on the whole ward much brighter.”

Staff hope that the therapeutic aspect of the garden will aid patient recovery.