Hospital’s new garden to help rehabilitate patients
A BLOOMING lovely new feature is opening for Princess of Wales Hospital patients.
A Ground Force-type operation is turning a courtyard at the Bridgend hospital into a lovely attraction for patients.
Staff are working on the creation of a new sensory garden that can be used for rehabilitation and therapy.
The garden is a joint project by Pendre Day Hospital and Ward 18, both of which care for frail, elderly patients, with the support of several local companies.
The sensory garden will eventually include perfumed shrubs, flags, bunting and wind chimes.
An official opening and raffle draw will take place on Friday, August 26.
Pendre Day Hospital manager Helen Evans said: “We are developing a sensory garden for patients to enjoy as part of their rehabilitation and, in the summer months, to receive therapy.
“There is still work to be done but our progress so far has been very good thanks to the support and generosity of the local community.”
The garden will also be used as part of an education course for people with Parkinson’s disease.
The course takes place at Pendre Day Hospital and was introduced by Parkinson’s disease nurse specialist Louise Ebenezer.
Sessions, including dance therapy, delivered by Vale and Valley Arts, take place in the garden on warmer days.
Helen said: “We are planning a similar format for frail, elderly patients who are prone to falls.
“We are bringing in a wider multi-disciplinary team to look at providing assessment and education in addition to rehabilitation for a falls programme.
“Eventually, however, we hope the garden will become a facility that all patients will be able to enjoy.”
Many local shops and businesses have donated materials for the garden and raffle prizes to raise funds for future maintenance.
Helen said: “Sainsbury’s in Bridgend have jet-washed the patio and cleared the paths and flower beds of weeds.
“They are also fundraising on our behalf in-store and generously giving many free gardening materials.
“Robert Price Builders’ Merchants have kindly donated garden furniture and materials for raised planting beds and relocated a garden shed which patients can use as part of their therapy,” she said.