Garden retreat for older people

PATIENTS, staff and visitors are gearing up for the opening of a new garden at St Catherine's Hospital in Doncaster. The facility, in the grounds of the Windermere Lodge mental health facility for older people, has been created with a grant from The King's Fund Enhancing the Healing Environment programme and has been built around the theme of "Industrial Doncaster". Core team member and nurse consultant, Mark Lawton, said: "Fresh air, exercise and exposure to sunlight are vital to everyone's wellbeing. Research shows that gardens and outdoor spaces are important for dementia sufferers by making them less agitated and distressed. The current Windermere Lodge garden layout means it is unsuitable for use by anyone who is unsteady on their feet, so this revamp will make it accessible to everyone." Work is expected to be completed by October.