A new garden for Intensive Care Unit patients

Published:

We are so excited to show you the new, finished garden for the Intensive Care Unit – made possible thanks to generous supporters like you!  

The long-awaited building work started in February this year. Over five weeks, the space was built to make way for a range of wonderful plants and benches, creating a tranquil and safe space for patients to enjoy the fresh air with their families.  

The Intensive Care Unit here at Southmead Hospital is one of the busiest in the country. A team of experts deliver the most complex care available to 2,600 patients every year. The unit can be home to seriously ill patients for weeks and sometimes months, so having an outdoor space for them to spend with their families will be transformational.  

A picture of a wooden canopy, surrounded by planters in the new garden
The new canopy, part of the garden installation
Plants in a wooden planter, with a member of staff working in the background
Nature Ranger Phoebe planting the beautiful greenery

A welcoming space for patients

The garden will begin welcoming patients in the coming weeks before an official opening ceremony.  

Dr Gareth Wrathall, a consultant in ICU and the lead for the project said: “We are overjoyed with the space. Seeing it come to life after such a long time of planning is a great feeling. We can’t wait to open it to our patients.  

“It’s been a huge team effort – from the amazing fundraisers to the builders, maintenance staff and gardeners – the creation of this space is a testament to our shared passion to make our hospital the best it can be for our patients. My colleagues and I are so grateful to everyone involved.”  

Thank you for your support – it makes a huge difference to our patients, their families and our staff.

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