The ’secret garden’ at the Northern General Hospital has been shortlisted in the 2024 Sheffield Design Awards. It was officially opened in July last year and provides a much-needed sanctuary for NHS staff and visitors.
The garden, designed by Tom Beaumont at Weddle Landscape Designs, was the realisation of a two-year long project by Sheffield Hospitals Charity to provide a peaceful space, filled with wildflowers, seated areas and greenery, where hospital staff can spend their breaks during what can often be physically and emotionally testing hospital shifts.
The project was launched in 2021, in reflection of the huge dedication of hospital staff and the extra strain on their wellbeing following the COVID-19 pandemic. The garden project was created to ensure that staff felt valued and supported, and were given the safe, quiet, relaxing space to help busy workdays feel a little easier.
Thanks to charity supporters, an unused and unloved area of the Northern General Hospital site was transformed into a natural haven. Funds were raised in a variety of ways – from sponsored hikes and cycle rides to golf days and donations in memory of loved ones, for whom the garden will be a lasting legacy.
Rhian Bishop, Staff Engagement and Wellbeing Lead at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"The Secret Garden makes a huge difference to both our patients and staff and is an excellent addition to our on-going health and wellbeing support. Being outside and connecting with nature is known to be incredibly important for our wellbeing. It’s amazing to have the garden and provide staff with an outdoor sanctuary to spend a period of calm, appreciate nature and enjoy a moment of respite during busy shifts.”
The awards ceremony will be held at Sheffield’s Millennium Gallery in November.
Published: Friday 13th of September 2024