30 June 2010
NHSG/98/10
Dementia Gardens bloom at Royal Cornhill Hospital
Two beautiful new gardens are already proving to be a big success among patients with dementia at Royal Cornhill Hospital.
Both gardens were designed, developed and landscaped with the hope to provide a dementia friendly environment for the benefit of the patients. The garden includes a winding path leading people to different areas of the garden and safely back to the building. It is a place where the patients can carry out a range of therapeutic activities, with areas for planting fruit, vegetables and flowers as well as seating areas where patients and their families can relax and reminisce.
The work on the gardens cost around £23,000 and was fully funded by the Lily Charlton Trust.
Alasdair Walker, the Old Age Psychiatry Directorate Service Manager said "We are indebted to the Lily Charlton Trust for their generosity which has facilitated the redevelopment of the gardens associated with Davan and Strathbeg Wards. These wards provide care for patients with dementia at the most difficult stages of their illness and the gardens have already had a very positive impact on both the patients and staff."
The work on the gardens was carried by Solstice, an Aberdeen based social firm providing employment, training and social skills to people with, and recovering from, severe and enduring mental health issues. Those who came from Solstice to contribute to the landscaping of the gardens have at one time or another been service users at Cornhill and were keen to give something back to the hospital.
Northsound 1 presenter John Mellis will formally open the gardens on Thursday 1st July during a celebratory tea party.