The sensory garden is being created at Dorset County Hospital (DCH) thanks to a £45,204 grant from the Greener Communities Fund. DCH’s sustainability team applied for the funding to turn the disused courtyard opposite the Special Care Dentistry to benefit the health and wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors. READ: Dorset County Hospital Charity raise £100k in Jurassic Challenge The Greener Communities Fund supports the creation or improvement of green spaces to benefit the health and wellbeing of people with limited access to green space.
Bev Lagden, sustainability manager at Dorset County Hospital said: “We are delighted to receive this funding. "It will allow us to transform a neglected courtyard into a beautiful tranquil space, so that people can take a break and spend some time in a peaceful garden that stimulates their senses.” DCH says it is committed to maximising the positive social value impact that it has on local communities.
READ: New CT scanner suite at Weymouth Community Hospital Local organisations Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester Men’s Shed and Little Green Change will provide input on the planting plan for the garden area, which will also include new doors and the ground will be made level for disabled access. Jo Howarth, Director of Nursing at Dorset County Hospital, said: “Whether you’re a patient, staff member or visiting a loved one, it’s important to be able to step away from the busy, and sometimes overwhelming, hospital environ.
