Publish date: 21 June 2021

“We hope that recovery for patients will be aided by greater opportunities for physical rehabilitation and therapy and we are extremely grateful to all those individuals and organisations who have supported this project.”

Lee Briers, Assistant Coach at Warrington Wolves said: “It’s a great honour and privilege to be asked to come and open the Stroke Garden today. Everybody who has played a part in creating this wonderful garden should be so proud. It is going to benefit everybody who comes here.”

Pauline Deans, Community Liaison Officer, Sellafield Ltd said: “We are helping to strengthen our communities through our social impact programme and have worked with Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity for a number of years. This latest project will help support the mental health and mobility of patients at the hospital. In the past we have supported the Forget Me Not dementia garden with our employee volunteering groups and a family room in the A new therapy garden to support patients on the Stroke Unit at Warrington Hospital is now officially open.

The Stroke Unit Therapy Garden, outside ward B14, provides a special space for patients and their families to use at what can be a difficult and stressful time. Situated away from the clinical ward environment it provides calm and quiet outdoor space which will allow patients to socialise and have visits from children and pets - all known to provide psychological and physical benefits for patients. The garden will also be used to hold group therapy activities to aid recovery from a stroke. 

The garden was opened by Lee Briers from Warrington Wolves who was joined by representatives from Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Chairman Steve McGuirk, Stroke Service Clinical Lead Physiotherapist Jill Wright and Janette Singleton, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapy.

The new garden has been funded through Warrington and Hospitals’ Charity fundraising, donations and supported by a £5,000 grant from Sellafield Ltd and a £500 donation from Warrington Lions Club. 

Steve McGuirk, Chairman of Warrington and Halton Hospitals, said: “The benefits of exposure to daylight light and fresh air in a relaxed environment will be a welcome addition to the rehabilitation experience provided for patients at our hospital.
 
hospital.”

The local Stroke Association Life After Stroke group have been painting large pebbles which will be displayed throughout the garden, with words of encouragement for patients and families.