A unit for patients with dementia or a cognitive impairment at Rochdale Infirmary has opened a new ‘Oasis Garden’ for patients and their families, with a designated area for staff wellbeing.
The garden was funded by NorthCare, the hospital’s official charity, NHS Charities Together and project managed by Willmott Dixon, with support and gifts from other organisations. It will provide a break from the hospital environment for patients, and a safe space for them to spend time with loved ones and friends.
NorthCare Charity supports Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust to deliver outstanding care across Bury, Oldham, Rochdale and Salford by funding innovative equipment, education, research and wellbeing activities.
Up to 500 patients annually will use the garden, which has been specially designed with plants to support sensory experiences. It also features custom flowerbeds and planters at the right size and height to be used by patients in wheelchairs or with limited mobility, and furniture painted in dementia-friendly colours to make it easier for patients to see and use.
“We are absolutely delighted to finally be able to open the Oasis Garden, a project 1.5 years in the making!” said Karen Casper, Corporate Fundraising Officer for NorthCare Charity.
“Research shows people with dementia are less likely to become agitated and distressed if they can have regular access to
fresh air and exercise, and a quiet space away from others, which is why it’s so important for the Unit to have access to this space. We also wanted to create an environment for patients to spend time with their loved ones outside of the ward, for a sense of normality and to make memories.
“This is a great example of the work NorthCare Charity does that has a huge impact on patient and staff wellbeing.”
Local construction company Willmott Dixon provided the project management and building works for the garden as a charitable gift. Richard Wright, Operations Manager at Willmott Dixon, said: “It was a pleasure for our local team to be part of this project and we’re really excited to see the impact the garden will make on patients and staff.
“We are focused on leaving a lasting legacy beyond bricks and mortar and we’re passionate about supporting projects like this across Greater Manchester that care for those who really need it. We have really enjoyed working with the NorthCare Charity and Rochdale Infirmary teams and we are proud to have been able to contribute to this cause.”
The project was also supported by a range of local companies who provided advice, materials and labour, free of charge or at a discounted rate, including RHS, Briggs Amasco, Ryno, Touchwood, Petrus, Step Change, Dale Studios, Weatherfix, Beech Landscapes, Termstall Ltd, Crown Paints, Amaani Initiative, Rochdale in Bloom, and a range of volunteers.
The garden is now being used by patients and staff from the Unit and will be formally revisited in Spring 2024.