Speaker meeting

An innovative project to create NHS Grampian's first Therapeutic Roof Garden is already attracting support. 

The new green space is being designed so that inpatients at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) can enjoy fresh air and natural surroundings, even if they are confined to bed. 

The garden will be built on the first floor roof of the new Accident and Emergency entrance to the Emergency Care Centre.

The therapeutic garden's first Ambassador is 2012 Paralympic Silver Medallist Karen Darke. The Aberdeen University postgraduate was paralysed after a rock-climbing accident on sea cliffs near Aberdeen 20 years ago and was confined to a hospital bed for three months. She said: "A key turning point in my recovery was being helped out to a small patio outside the hospital − I lay there all day and into the evening, in awe at the sky, trees and fresh air. The effect of that day transformed my journey forward, inspiring me to make the most of my new situation."

Dr Steve Stott, Consultant Anaesthetist, Intensive Care Unit, ARI, added: "The sensation of feeling fresh air for the first time after serious illness has a positive impact on both physical and mental recovery."

The campaign to raise funds for the roof garden started with some long stay ARI patients. They were being cared for in the Intensive Care Unit and the Burns and Plastic Surgery Ward, and asked to be taken outside. A multi-disciplinary group of staff took up the idea and are now leading the garden appeal. In only a few weeks, individuals, companies, and church guilds have pledged their support.

NHS Grampian Healthcare Chaplain Rev. James Falconer said: "From the moment I mentioned the project informally a few weeks ago, I have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of staff at ARI. Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and many more immediately recognised how much many patients would benefit from access to a special garden. Every penny donated will go directly to creating this unique garden."

Thousands of patients spend a week or more at ARI receiving the care they need − hundreds are inpatients for more than a month. 

"During that time, we would like to complement that care with the sights, sounds and scents of trees, plants and flowers. Nationally acclaimed gardening expert Professor Nigel Dunnett, University of Sheffield, whose work features innovative approaches to planting design, has offered to be a consultant for the ARI roof garden. With this guidance, we believe we can create a most effective, attractive space for inpatients their relatives and the staff caring for them," said Rev. Falconer. 

Information on the project is at www.nhsgrampian.org/ariroofgarden, on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/ari.roofgarden or via e-mail nhsg.ariroofgarden@nhs.net

Donations can be made via 

www.justgiving.com/ari-roofgarden, or by

Texting ARIG99 (plus