Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity (WHH Charity) has launched a new appeal to create a bespoke sensory garden outside the Ophthalmology Department at Warrington Hospital – a calm and welcoming outdoor space designed to support the wellbeing of patients, their families and staff.
The Ophthalmology Department cares for people of all ages, including patients who may find the clinical setting of a hospital overwhelming. The garden will provide a quiet and therapeutic space filled with sensory sounds, scents, and textures – proven to reduce anxiety and enhance wellbeing.
This meaningful project is being launched in memory of Tracey Parry, a much-loved member of the Orthoptic Team who sadly died in July 2023. Tracey worked for Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals for more than 25 years and was well known for her compassion, her sense of humour, and particularly her dedication to helping patients in need of additional support.
The sensory garden will be a lasting tribute to Tracey and will offer a peaceful environment for patients waiting for appointments, families accompanying loved ones and staff needing a moment to reflect and recharge.
Frances Midgley, Advanced Orthoptist at WHH, said: “This garden will be a sanctuary for those who need calm in the middle of a busy hospital day. It will honour Tracey’s legacy in the most fitting way possible, by providing comfort to the patients and families she cared so deeply about.
“We’re asking our community to support this appeal and help us create a space that brings mental health benefits to everyone who visits.”
WHH Charity and the Ophthalmology Team will be running a series of fundraising activities throughout the year to help make the sensory garden a reality.
How you can help
Every donation will directly support the creation of this important space. To donate, visit the dedicated JustGiving page.
For more information or to get involved, contact the Fundraising Team at 01925 662666 or email whh
