Kentish Express Ashford & District
New garden takes shape at hospital
A hospital sensory garden is taking shape after thousands of pounds have been raised by the community.
Staff at the William Harvey Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ITU) have been campaigning for the space’s upgrade since September 2018.
Originally a disused courtyard, the first phase has now been completed - planting beds have been installed, fragrant herbs and flowers planted, and a door widened - with a ramp installed allowing patients who are bedbound to access the garden.
Natalie Daly, ward manager, said: “Phase one of the sensory garden was recently completed, and we are very excited about being able to develop the next phase.”
The first phase comes as a result of donations, grants and support from Tesco Bags of Help, Brakes Charitable Trust and Aviva Community Fund, as well as fundraising by ITU staff and donations from the community.
On a JustGiving page for the garden, £8,837 has been raised through individual and group donors.
The Ashford Designer Outlet is also aiding the process, garnering donations via the Garden of Light installation at the station-side entrance to the shopping centre.
Since its opening in November, the interactive illuminations have brought in more than £28,600 for the project and collections are continuing until its close in April.
A number of events are running this month including baby sensory groups.
■ Visit bit.ly/30CFtGO to donate to the project.