York wellbeing gardens

6 AUGUST 2022

Thanks to a major donation from Yorkshire artist Harland Miller and other donors including York Rotary and John Lewis & Partners, much-needed wellbeing gardens for staff and patients at York Hospital have been completed. The gardens were officially opened by Simon Morritt, Chief Executive of York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Alan Downey, Chair.

Funds were raised during the height of the pandemic to transform two gardens in courtyards at York Hospital for staff to take a much needed break in an outdoor space.

The gardens were created with input from staff, who were invited to put forward their suggestions of how to make the best use of the outdoor space to connect with others and have the opportunity to reflect during Covid times.

Griselda Goldsborough, Art and Design Development Manager said: “It was important that both staff, patients and visitors could enjoy them so one garden has an accessible walkway to encourage patients to walk and stay active. A circular path allows access for wheelchairs and hospital beds so loved ones can be together outdoors. Both gardens have seating and seasonal and leafy plants with a sensory area.”

The charity has invested over £200,000 to create the gardens, only possible due to a major donation from Yorkshire artist Harland Miller and other donations including York Rotary and John Lewis.

Rachel Brook, Charity Manager for York and Scarborough Hospitals Charity, said: “We will be forever grateful for the generosity of our donors which has meant we now have these valuable outdoor spaces which will benefit staff and patients for many years to come. As pressures continue to increase on the NHS this will make a real difference to people’s working day.”