A new outdoor sanctuary for patients and visitors has opened at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Gateshead. The “Garden of Hope” in the Jubilee Wing courtyard has been created with support of Gateshead Health Charity.
The garden was officially opened on Thursday 12 September by the Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Ms. Lucy Winskell, OBE, who is the King’s representative in Tyne and Wear. Ms. Winskell, known for her dedication to the region, delivered an uplifting speech before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the event.
The Garden of Hope will create a calming and therapeutic environment tailored to meet the diverse needs of the hospital’s patients. This new space is a peaceful, restorative retreat for patients who can’t access other areas of the hospital. It provides a secluded, safe space for rehabilitation for critical care, stroke and dementia patients.
The garden features modern innovations, including customisable ambient sounds and music, colourful mood lighting and carefully chosen plants to enhance the sensory experience.
Ms. Lucy Winskell, Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, expressed her admiration for the project, stating:
“The Jubilee Courtyard Garden is a testament to the power of community and compassion. It stands as a beacon of hope and healing, offering a tranquil space for patients, staff, and visitors alike. This garden reflects the care and dedication of everyone involved in its creation and will provide moments of peace, reflection, and recovery for many years to come. On behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, it is my great honour to officially open this space, which truly embodies the spirit of kindness and support that is at the heart of the QE Hospital.”
The vision for the Jubilee Courtyard Garden was brought to life by a dedicated planning group, which included Christine Fawcett, Julia Nevin, Ruth Da Silva, James Forrest, and project lead Susie Chrystal. Susie, a specialist nurse for critical care rehabilitation, highlighted how the combined efforts of the planning group brought the concept into reality.
Commenting on the significance of the project, Susie Chrystal said:
“We are thrilled to see the garden come to life after years of planning. Thanks to Gateshead Health Charity, we’ve created a beautiful space that will benefit primarily patients, but also visitors and staff at the QE Hospital. The idea for the garden came from witnessing the challenges faced by patients. Access to nature can make a real difference in recovery, and I’m so pleased this vision is now a reality.”
Alison Marshall, chair of Gateshead Health added:
“This garden is a perfect example of the type of projects we support at Gateshead Health Charity. We hope it will provide a place for reflection and healing. We’re proud to invest in this work and are grateful to all our supporters who made it possible.”
The Jubilee Courtyard Garden is a shining example of how partnerships between healthcare, charity, and community can come together to enhance the patient experience. Gateshead Health Charity continues to support Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust in its mission to improve patient care and enrich the healthcare environment, going above and beyond the core NHS funding.
Photos of the Garden of Hope
