New dementia-friendly garden blooms for NHS Lanarkshire
NHS Lanarkshire worked with energy transformation organisation, Vital Energi, to enhance the garden area of Udston Hospital's Brandon Ward.
This unit supports patients living with dementia, and their families, who can now benefit from this calming greenspace.
The project is part of NHS Lanarkshire's commitment to reducing its carbon emissions. The health board's sustainability team successfully applied to Vital Energi for funding, where an element of community investment was included alongside low-carbon solutions. Part of this funding was used to create a dedicated garden area that's calming and meaningful for patients, their families and staff.
The Vital Energi Scotland team worked enthusiastically with NHS Lanarkshire's biodiversity manager, Stuart Ward, to transform the Hamilton courtyard into a therapeutic, dementia-friendly space with new planters and a range of plants and flowers.
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Stuart said: 'I would like to give a big thank you to Aidan Whetham, construction degree apprentice, and his team of volunteers at Vital Energi for the hard work and resources that have helped turn an unused garden space into an area especially for patients, staff and visitors. The transformation and positive impact it will have on patients is immeasurable.'
Craig Brown, head of sustainability and environmental performance at NHS Lanarkshire, said: 'We applied for this funding via the Scottish Government Greening Public Sector Estates Decarbonisation Scheme and were fortunate enough to receive £2 million.
'This funding was primarily used to improve the energy efficiency at Kirklands Headquarters and the West of Scotland Laundry by installing solar panels on both key sites, among other significant energy efficiency measures.
'Not only does the Brandon Ward project support NHS Lanarkshire's goal to save nearly 200 tonnes of carbon emissions, but it has also been equally rewarding to contribute to something so special for patients – a peaceful, reflective space that supports wellbeing.
'We hope this is the first of many energy efficiency projects as we work towards further improving the greenspace and biodiversity across our sites.'
Kieran Walsh, regional director for Vital Energi, commented: 'We are honoured to have supported the Brandon Ward at Udston Hospital by creating a new outdoor space designed with compassion and care for patients living with dementia and their families. Our hope was to offer a place of comfort during what can be incredibly difficult times.
'Being part of something that has a real, tangible impact on end users in local communities is what makes this work so fulfilling.
'Thanks to the dedication of the Vital Energi Scotland team and the generosity of our volunteers and contributors, we've been able to give back to the wider community of Lanarkshire.'
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