Gardening grant boosts green spaces at Camborne and Redruth hospitals
The funding aims to rejuvenate hospitals' outdoor areas with new gardens
Camborne and Redruth Community Hospital alongside Longreach are set to transform their outdoor spaces this summer, thanks to a grant awarded by the Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing (QICN).
The hospitals were among five successful applicants from a pool of 30 contenders who secured £5,000 through the NGS Elsie Wagg (Innovation) Scholarship, funded by the National Garden Scheme.
Hospital Matrons Sue Greenwood and Jane Pearce, who spearheaded the application, expressed excitement about the opportunities the funding will provide for patients, staff, and visitors to enjoy rejuvenated gardens.
The funds will facilitate the creation of inviting, green spaces at the hospitals, enhancing the atmosphere for all who use them. The grant also includes a year of additional support from QICN.
Sue Greenwood emphasised the significance of reviving the hospital’s grounds, "It’s wonderful news. With this funding, we can now go ahead with work on the areas. Having these spaces can improve people’s health and wellbeing."
Plans for these new areas include a restored rose garden and spaces to grow vegetables, offering therapeutic benefits and engagement opportunities for staff and patients.
In collaboration with local stakeholders, including The Guild of Friends and horticultural students from Duchy College, the project aims to build a community-centric approach to gardening.
Jane Pearce highlighted the benefits of nature on recovery and staff well-being, "We know that nature is good for people. It's good for staff. It's good for recovery."
Both Sue and Jane are in discussions with local companies and the public sector to foster additional volunteer support.
This project aligns with the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ICB Trust’s clinical strategy, which encourages non-traditional spaces for medical practices.
The vision foresees half of clinical practices being held outdoors or in similar innovative environments.
Sue and Jane have been engaging with national workshops and support from the National Garden Scheme to ensure the project's success.
Jane shared her enthusiasm about involving gardeners from the National Garden Scheme and the support network now accessible to them, "It’s going to be a real collective effort. We have been attending national workshops, and they have been really helpful."