A brand new garden area outside Royal Preston Hospital’s Critical Care unit is now helping staff to relax and recuperate amid busy shifts in intensive care.
The purpose built garden provides staff members, working on ICU, with an area to visit during or after their shifts to chat, and unwind from what can be a stressful and emotional environment.
This project helps compliment what has been a significant transformation of the unit with phase four of the expansion and refurbishment being completed in March 2021 which now provides first-class facilities for patients, their relatives and staff.
The garden development has only been possible following significant support from Lancashire based companies D&G Builders and Joiners Ltd and USP Creations Ltd.
Chorley based D&G Builders have donated over £25,000 of labour and materials into the project to help bridge the gap between available Trust funds and the finished product.
Meanwhile, USP Creations have kindly donated its flagship vertical plant kit product Wonderwall to help give the garden that wow factor and add to the relaxing environment created.
Karen Hatch, Clinical Business Manager at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “On behalf of the Trust, I would like to express our sincere thanks to D&G Builders and Joiners, their supply chain, and Wonderwall for their extraordinary generosity that has helped make this extra special area for our staff working at Royal Preston’s Critical Care Unit a reality.
“The garden looks fantastic and provides a tranquil and peaceful environment for staff members on the unit to help unwind and relax.
“The feedback from colleagues has been fantastic and I’m sure this will significantly contribute towards their continued health and wellbeing in what are unprecedented times.”
Emma Turner, Managing Director at D&G Builders and Joiners Ltd, commented: “We are delighted to support LTHTR and especially the CRCU team in providing this unique rest and relaxation area to support staff wellbeing.
“I would also like to thank USP, O’Callaghans, James Mercer Group and Ameon for thir support to deliver this project.”
Rick McKeever, Director at USP Creations Ltd, added: “The proudest part of this project for me was being able to provide ICU staff with a 360-degree biophilic and wellness garden to help staff rest, recharge and reflect during this stressful time. We wanted to design an oasis, a peaceful space to switch off and immerse in nature if only for a few moments.”
