Erimus Supports Sensory Garden Appeal

Erimus Supports Sensory Garden Appeal

Intensive Care Unit Garden Proposed

We are all too aware of the furrowed brows, layers of PPE and dedicated efforts made within ICU units- The pandemic has displayed the scenes in our living rooms across the country. Now doctors at James Cook University Hospital are planning a sensory garden space adjacent to the ICU unit where patients can spend precious time with their relatives in privacy in a restful green space.

You can see an artist’s impression of the Sensory garden with opaque windows and a Roseberry Topping motif backdrop.

Critical care patients will be transported to the area along with their ventilators and monitoring equipment. The restful outdoor space with scented plants and carefully chosen planting has the capacity to contribute toward psychological and emotional stability at a time when trauma and stresses are naturally evident.

When not being used by patients the garden will also offer a quiet space for staff from the unit to take some time out from their often-stressful schedule to reflect and relax.

The critical care team will work with local artist Laura Johnston Studios, who has created several pieces for the hospital already.

Public appeal supported

Members of Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary are no strangers to JCUH appeals and have been involved in several over recent years. In this case, once the cause was known members offered immediate financial backing, despite the lack of fundraising opportunities over the course of the pandemic.

President Dave Whittaker commented: “We are always prepared to support our local hospital and the garden is an ideal opportunity for us to make a difference.  If that brings more public awareness and a bigger public response, then so much the better. We are hoping to have an opportunity to assist with a ‘hands on’ role as the project comes together.”

Critical Care consultant Dr Diane Monkhouse in welcoming the support of Rotary added “The local community has shown us amazing generosity and support during the pandemic and we really hope they will get behind us once again to create this sensory garden”.

To contribute visit:- https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ICUGarden