Chapel Allerton Hospital wins £200,000 grant for new garden

A Leeds hospital has been awarded a £200,000 grant to create a new garden for patients and staff.

Chapel Allerton Hospital will use money from its greener communities fund to turn a courtyard into its rehabilitation area, Leeds Hospitals Charity has said.

The project would help patients and staff “reconnect with nature”, it added.

The garden could also be used to provide horticultural therapy to aid the patient’s recovery.

Becky Baldaro-Booth, head of grants at the charity, said: “Many of these patients will spend many weeks or months in hospital, so having a dedicated space outside the clinical areas where they can enjoy nature is extremely important both physically and mentally. wellness.

“Patients will be able to take part in therapy sessions with staff, have a quiet space to reflect away from the ward or hang out with their friends and families.”

The new garden is expected to benefit up to 500 people, the charity added.

The fund, which is in its second year, is a partnership between environmental charity Hubbub and NHS Charities Together and funded by a 5p Starbucks levy.

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “One of our main aims as a charity is to help improve our nation’s health and in turn reduce the pressure on overburdened NHS services.

“We look forward to working with the team at Leeds Hospitals Charity to bring their visions to life and to see the significant impact these green spaces will have on staff, patients and local communities alike.”