A NEW sensory garden has been opened at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) – thanks to a £50,000 cash boost.

The Dorset County Hospital Charity received money from the Greener Communities Fund – a partnership between NHS Charities Together and the environmental charity Hubbub, supported by Starbucks which supports the development of green spaces to help health and wellbeing – to turn a disused courtyard opposite Special Care Dentistry into a space for patients, staff and visitors.

A planting plan for the garden was carefully designed to stimulate people’s senses, featuring a mixture of fragrant flowers, shrubs and plants, with the garden designed by students from Kingston Maurward College.

Wooden benches have also been installed, and the ground has been made level for disabled access.

More plants will be added to the garden over the coming weeks and months, and additional planters will be installed – including a wheelchair-accessible planter.

Bev Lagden, sustainability manager at the hospital, said: “We are delighted with this new space and hope that people will be able to spend some time in a peaceful garden that stimulates their senses.

“A big thank you to Kingston Maurward College, Dorset Build, Dorchester Men’s Shed, Dobbies Garden Centre and patients and staff for their support in creating the garden.”

Garden design lecturer at Kingston Maurward College, Michelle Brown, said: “This has been such a great project for our students. It gave them the chance to design, plan and create a garden outside of college within a real work environment.

“They have considered those that would be using the space to make sure it caters to their needs. We are really pleased with the result and look forward to adding more to the space in the future.”

The garden is open to patients, staff and visitors

Jo Howarth, director of nursing at DCH, added: “I’m thrilled that we have been able to turn a disused outdoor space into a beautiful sensory garden.

“Whether you’re a patient, staff member or visiting a loved one, it’s important to be able to step away from the busy, and sometimes overwhelming, hospital environment and take a moment.

“We want to use our outdoor spaces to support people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and I hope the new sensory garden provides a moment of calm for those who use it.”

And Jon Goodwin, head of grants at NHS Charities Together, said: “There’s a strong link between spending time outdoors and improved health and wellbeing. That’s why we are improving access to quality green spaces in healthcare settings and beyond.

“These projects play an important role in our wider commitment to help improve the health of NHS patients, staff, and communities, and in turn reduce the pressure on overstretched NHS services.

“We very much look forward to hearing how Dorset County Hospital visitors benefit from this vibrant and accessible new garden and are grateful to everyone who made it possible.”