• Luke Pollard visited a rehab garden and met with Kate Tantam, Specialist Research and Education Sister at the ICU.
• The Rehab Garden is a space for psychological and physical rehabilitation for patients.
• The garden is also used by staff as a space for a calm and relaxation during challenging circumstances.

Labour and Co-operative MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, Luke Pollard met with key rehab staff from Derriford Hospital. They showed Luke the new Rehab Garden at the hospital. The garden’s purpose is to act as a sanctuary for both patients and staff. Luke was also told about Hovis, the Therapy Dog, a friend and mood booster for patients in ICU.

The dedicated team at ICU understand the value of creating the environment for patients to feel normal, to feel rain, sunlight and wind, improving their quality of life in their recovery and treatment process, and encouraging better sleep. The garden is beautifully decorated with fairly lights, a bench and an umbrella, perfectly positioned to receive maximum sunlight, colourful plants and many Christmas trees.

Luke Pollard MP said:

“The garden is a great space recently created in the hospital, and I was pleased to be shown around by Kate Tantam, a Specialist Research and Education Sister at the ICU. The garden will be beneficial for so many people at Derriford Hospital, both patients and staff. It’s hugely 

 

“It’s really important that there are spaces where patients and staff can get some fresh air and experience nature, with the garden home to a variety of colourful plants. The garden was funded by the Spring Intensive Care Fund, in addition to generous donations from family and friends of the UCU, the Patients Voluntary Welfare Fund, and Plymouth Garden Centre among others.