Inex were delighted to recently take part in a sensory garden project at Vale of Leven Hospital, Dumbarton.
New Sensory Garden opens at the Vale
A new Sensory Garden, designed around the needs of patients to aid their rehabilitation and recovery, has opened at the Vale of Leven Hospital.
Dedicated staff and volunteers saw their vision brought to life, on June 2, when the garden was officially opened to patients and visitors.
Filled with flowers, bushes and trees, the team at the Vale have worked tirelessly to transform the area of the hospital grounds to a place of peace and tranquillity.
With the sunshine making an appearance recently the garden, which has interactive areas such as chess sets and planting and pottering stations for patients, is being used daily and has been a welcome addition for patients, visitors and staff. The pagoda with sensory heating and lighting is also proving popular, as are the new seating areas.
Margaret O’Rourke, Clinical Services Manager and Lead Nurse at the Vale, said: “We are delighted that the new Sensory Garden has opened and that it has been so well received by everyone at the Vale.
“Our patients were at the heart of our thinking when it came to designing a new space and the interactive nature of the garden will help them with their rehabilitation and recovery.
“This is also a great place for visitors to come and see their loved ones and staff have also being using the tranquil space during their breaks. We’re so grateful to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde for supporting this project and providing funding and to the community who got behind it.
“This project has demonstrated the great community spirit at the Vale. I’d like to extend our thanks to Alan and Louise and their staff from Inex and Apex Groundcare Ltd, William Craig who undertook the grounds maintenance at VOL, Stephen Burgoyne and his staff of Burgoyne Electrical Ltd, William from Trident Maintenance Services Ltd, artist ‘Barry The Cat’ who painted the murals on the walls and Rev Ian Millar for formally opening the garden, everyone has played their part.”
The Sensory Garden is situation behind the stroke and older adults’ orthopaedics wards at the Vale and is also used by the partnership mental health wards.
A circular pathway was designed to provide easy access for wheelchairs and walking aids, allowing therapy staff to use the space as part of the rehabilitation programme for patients.
Melanie McColgan, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Director for Clyde, said: “So much hard work and dedication has gone into bringing this new Sensory Garden to life at the Vale, I would like to thank all of our staff volunteers and partners who helped make it possible.
“Patients and their families and loved ones are already seeing the benefits this brings to rehabilitation and recovery and I’m thrilled for everyone who has played a role in bringing such a beautiful and tranquil area to the Vale.”
ENDS