A new dementia friendly garden has opened outside Unit 5 at Falkirk Community Hospital to create a calm, relaxing and stimulating area for patients with dementia and their families.
The garden, which was opened to coincide with Dementia Awareness Week, incudes lots of lovely planting, seated areas and bird feeders made by local patients.
Lyn Corkish, Senior Charge Nurse, Ward 2, Bo’ness Community Hospital, said: “To celebrate Dementia Awareness Week our activity coordinator Kirsty made cakes with our patients for them to enjoy with their relatives and these went down a treat.”
“Our culture board, which was inspired by myself and Kirsty, was an opportunity for us to inspire others through providing leadership, inclusion and a safe environment to work in. It also brings a smile to everyone’s faces when they read it.”
John Newns, Senior Charge Nurse, Unit 5, Falkirk Community Hospital, explained how the new garden had been developed. He said: “The former garden at Unit 5 was overgrown, far from level, and of little practical benefit to patients. The new expanded garden, which is level and secure, was the vision of previous Senior Charge Nurse, Tracey Gow and activities coordinator, Pauline Greenhorn.
“Pauline worked with a number of local patients to select the garden furnishings and decoration and worked tirelessly to ensure the garden area was ready in time for Summer outdoor activities.
“Tracey attended the opening and kindly obliged with ribbon cutting duties for the garden’s official opening.
“We would like to thank all colleagues and patients, relatives and friends for their support in developing the new garden and organising the opening.”
