A NEW SENSORY garden which aims to aid the recovery of patients living with dementia during their stay at Worcestershire Royal Hospital was opened by antiques expert Henry Sandon MBE.
The new dementia-friendly garden occupies a formerly disused courtyard space outside the Avon 4 ward in Aconbury West and provides a safe area for patients with dementia and their families and carers to have some much-needed respite.
Following a welcome from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust Chief Executive Michelle McKay and Chief Nursing Officer Vicky Morris, Mr Sandon cut the ribbobn before the garden was blessed by Hospital Chaplain Rev David Southall.
Henry, whose late wife lived with dementia, said: “This beautiful garden will bring delight to many patients, families and staff. I myself have visited patients on Avon 4 and I know how much joy it will bring to be able to leave the ward and have such a wonderful environment to come to.”
Vicky Morris, Chief Nursing Officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Hospital settings can be confusing, overwhelming or destabilising for those with dementia, especially if they have other illnesses or have had an accident.
“This new garden will provide a safe, calm and relaxing space for patients and their families and carers to enjoy.”
