Our next garden project is to install a major new garden adjacent to the Neuro-Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on the Atkinson Morley Wing of St. George’s Hospital.
“After many years of fund raising and working closely with St George’s Hospital, we are delighted work has begun on the Neuro-ICU roof garden. This amazing milestone reminds us of our dear Patron and friend, Richard Sullivan who passed away in March 2024. Alongside Laura, his passion and drive helped us raise the significant funds needed for this project. However, his contribution did not end there. Richard’s expertise in managing and delivering major property developments ensured we got the approval for the garden design and plans. We are truly grateful, and we look forward to reflecting on Richard’s incredible contribution as the garden develops and grows”.
A 2016 Kings Fund report “Gardens and health” concludes that “gardens are intimately connected to our health and wellbeing”, including for recovery from illness and in end-of-life care. Studies cited in this report conclude that “patients who had a view of nature from their hospital beds had shorter post-operative stays and less consumption of painkillers” and that “beautifully designed and maintained gardens .. accessible for patients in beds and wheelchairs … promote the wellbeing of patients … as well as their family and friends”.
“Last week I spent 4 days in Brodie Wing, Atkinson Morley Unit, St Georges following surgery for removal of a meningioma. I found life on the ward extremely noisy, bright, and exhausting thus was delighted when I discovered the roof garden. Whenever I could I took my blanket and lay on one of the recliners enjoying the beautiful flowers and appreciating the wonderfully designed garden. It brought me great joy at a time of great stress. Thank you for providing this for patients. It is a wonderful thing to have done in memory of John.”– Wendy Dutton (May 2019)
A 2020 report commissioned by The Health Foundation, “Space to Breathe” concludes that gardens have significant well-being benefits for NHS staff, by encouraging staff to relax and recharge in green space. This is supported by a plethora of studies that show conclusively that access to beautiful green spaces has lasting positive mental health benefits.
The Neuro ICU provides a tertiary referral neuroscience acute level of care with physiological monitoring, neurological supportive therapies and complex treatments that require a high staff-to-patient ratio from a highly-skilled, multi-professional team. This includes care of acutely unwell patients at risk of, or, following the development of, an acute neurological condition (including trauma, haemorrhage, stroke) and complex post-operative recovery.
The garden will be situated on the first floor of the Atkinson Morley Wing, immediately accessible from the Neuro ICU, to benefit the well-being and recovery of an estimated 7,000 patients, visitors, staff and therapists each year.
Your Continued Help and Support Does Make a Difference
