WORK is set to get under way to create a new sensory garden at Bromsgrove’s Princess of Wales Community Hospital for patients with dementia.
The Meadow Green project will see the creation of a new, multi-purpose therapeutic space for patients on the hospital’s Meadow Ward.
The ward – run by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust – provides specialist inpatient care and treatment for people living with dementia.
The landscaped multi-sensory garden will feature a corner shop and potting shed, designed to recreate familiar everyday environments for patients.
The potting shed will enable those with a love of gardening to spend time in a familiar environment, where they can safely potter and rummage.
In the customised therapeutic space, patients will be able to pick up a newspaper from the corner shop or enjoy a cup of tea and slice of cake in a small cafe.
Fran Tummey, Associate Director of Specialist Mental Health and Learning Disability Services, said it was a really exciting project which would support teams to engage patients in meaningful activities specifically designed to improve their wellbeing.
“Evidence suggests sensory gardens can help a person with dementia connect with others by creating a shared experience and stimulating memories.
“Together with being outside in the fresh air this can greatly improve the physical and mental wellbeing of our patients.”
New Haven, which houses Meadow and Woodland Ward, is a purpose-built unit designed to support older adults experiencing difficulties which require extra support that cannot be provided at home.
Patients across both wards can access a 1960s-themed laundrette and the Lavender Lounge, a multi-sensory room featuring objects synonymic of the era.
Sarah Simmonds, Meadow Ward Manager, said “These spaces enable us to support patients to participate in a range of meaningful and purposeful activities that are essential for good health and wellbeing.
“We are delighted to have these wonderful additions to the therapeutic interventions we are able to offer our patients.”
The multi-purpose outdoor space will also provide a quiet area for staff to relax and reflect during their downtime.
Work is due to start this month with an official opening planned for later in the year.
