A new garden has opened at Worthing Hospital, providing a peaceful haven to help boost the wellbeing of patients and colleagues.
The new outdoor area will warmly welcome patients, visitors, and colleagues to enjoy the tranquillity of this garden, offering relaxation away from the bustling hospital.
This space, which had remained unused for years, was transformed over six months to become a calming, accessible sanctuary, complete with vibrant plants and comfortable seating, all a stone’s throw away from the Friends café and shop in the North Wing.
Getting outside and being able to connect with nature supports an improved sense of wellbeing and helps reduce stress or anxiety.
Colleagues will be able to take time away from the pressures of a busy hospital and connect with the environment, whilst patients and visitors will have access to a relaxing space to enjoy the fresh air and a change of scenery away from the wards.
The area can also improve patients’ wellbeing by facilitating visits with family in a less clinical setting that offers a safe and secure area, where they can relish in the company of loved ones.
The garden project has been funded by the Friends of Worthing Hospitals charity and the Trust’s dedicated charity, My University Hospitals Sussex, with the fantastic mural commissioned by the Trust’s organ donation committee.
Gary Phillips, Shop Trustee for the Friends of Worthing Hospitals said: “Friends of Worthing have been here for over 70 years helping patients, staff, and visitors. Normally as a charity, we’re helping to support with the buying of medical equipment or the things the ward may need. But it’s nice to use some of the charitable funds just to do something of a more expressive nature which supports the wellbeing of everyone.
“With the summer coming, the garden will give a safe, pleasant environment for people to have their coffee or sit with their loved one. It’s about providing a better service for our community.”
Tony Leggatt, Chair of the Gardens Committee at Worthing and Southlands hospitals said: “This is the culmination of four years of work, through planning, design, funding, and delivery. It’s been real hard work to get here but we are here at last and it’s a fantastic facility for patients and staff.
“Being able to get the patients away from the ward, outside into the fresh air and quiet space for some respite will be so beneficial.”
The garden was beautifully brought to life by Luc Harvengt, from Luc Gardens, who also recently redesigned the serenity garden at Worthing Hospital.
Stephen Mardlin, Worthing Hospital Director said: “It’s great to see such close collaboration between the Trust, our charity, the League of Friends and local businesses, in providing such a fabulous garden for our staff, patients and visitors, especially with the extended seating area to enjoy our refreshments outside.”