Garden retreat to aid patients

A therapy garden to help patients recover after illness has been officially opened at Wolverhampton's West Park Rehabilitation Hospital.

Health chiefs from the city's Primary Care Trust (PCT) have ploughed £20,000 into creating the oasis which includes features such as different walking surfaces, raised flower beds and a greenhouse.

PCT chairman Barry Picken opened the garden yesterday and took afternoon tea in its peaceful surroundings accompanied by guests and patients.

Mr Picken said: "I am thrilled to open the new therapy garden, which is not just an oasis of greenery for patients and visitors to relax and enjoy.

"It is also a kind of 'working garden' in that it will play an important role in the rehabilitation of many of those being cared for at the hospital.

"This garden, which is aptly-named The Retreat, has been designed and created entirely in-house and is a credit to all who have worked so hard to make it happen."

Stuart Edwards, one of the PCT's gardening team, led the scheme and worked closely with Carol Portik, senior occupational therapist for elderly rehabilitation, to design the area.

The aim was that it could be used to help improve patients' mobility following a stroke, fall, illness or the development of a neurological condition.

The garden also has wheelchair access and seated areas.