Sensory garden therapy delights

Sevenoaks League of Friends continues to support the wonderful new sensory garden at the hospital. This was officially launched last summer by TV personality Gloria Hunniford and has just been enhanced.  

Senior Nurse Practitioner Gemma Burgess explained about the planters: “It was my intention to ensure that wheelchair bound patients or visitors could get closer to the plants.  Also that patients could have gardening ‘therapy’ and as part of their assessment for dexterity skills when being rehabilitated back into the community”.

Staff came up with a list of some essential tactile and sensory plants which would benefit patients either through scent or feel. Planters filled with wonderful colourful plants have been supplied by Provender Nurseries in conjunction with the Freemasons of West Kent. Charitable funds had been set aside in memory long-time member of  William Sennocke Lodge Alan Pennells and his wife Shirley. They both used the hospital over the years and loved birds so now facilities to feed them have been added!

The planters were installed by a small team including Sheila – an inpatient on the ward– who supervised from her bed on plant placement and laughed at the antics all morning...The ward patients then spent the next week planting bedding and having some time in the garden finishing off.

The final touches to the garden have been enabled by KCHFT charitable funds. The results of the recent hard work were unveiled on July 6, 2023. “It’s beautiful,” said Trust Chief Executive Mairead McCormick. “What a difference it makes!"

TV and radio presenter Gloria Hunniford cut the ribbon to open the newly-transformed garden at Sevenoaks Hospital.

The garden was transformed by two local businesses and donations from the League of Friends and Sevenoaks Lions Club. It is dedicated to the memory of Susan Hamilton-Rigby – who worked at the hospital for 28 years.

Provender Nurseries, an independent wholesale plant nursery, and Allium Designs by David Stead Landscapes came together to provide new planting. The project includes a patio with seating for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.

Gemma Burgess, Senior Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Development Lead at Sevenoaks Urgent Treatment Centre praised the work at the event on August 19.

She said: “Susan adored being outside and we had the idea to commemorate her in a garden renovation. We would never have achieved this without the support and hard work without everyone’s support. This includes Richard and David’s teams and the generosity of the Sevenoaks Hospital League of Friends and the Sevenoaks Lions Club. We are so hugely grateful to them all.”

Gloria said: "I am a local resident and have used this hospital on many occasions and have always been impressed by it. This is such a wonderful project and what a fantastic way to remember your dear colleague, Susan. The garden looks amazing and I hope it's enjoyed by all for many years to come."

More than 50 people attended the garden opening, which included patients from the wards and their families as well as local residents. They were treated to sandwiches, scones, doughnuts and a handmade garden cake baked by Gemma.

Richard McKenna, Managing Director at Provender Nurseries explained: “It’s been great to build a garden for the hospital. It not only looks after people coming in and out with minor injuries, but can also help inpatients too. Gardens are so important for our mental health and wellbeing, so we’re delighted to have been able to do this and to give something back to the NHS.”

David Stead, Owner of Allium Designs, added: “As a local business established for more than 40 years, it was a pleasure to be involved in such a worthwhile cause. Our team worked hard to achieve the fantastic end result, which will be enjoyed by so many people in the months and years to come.”

* This summer the League of Friends worked tirelessly to keep the garden from drying up during the drought. We are very pleased with how everything has survived.