Why we need the Butterfly Garden Appeal

Each year West Suffolk Hospital cares for over 1000 palliative care admissions and today, approximately 25 patients will need the help of the end of life services.

These patients are looked after by a dedicated team made up of two consultants and five palliative care specialist nurses.

Currently end of life patients are cared for with no dedicated space to allow for privacy and time with those who matter.

Our Vision

Currently, end of life patients are cared for with no dedicated space to allow for privacy and time with those who matter. We want to change this.

Our vision is to create a garden with a glass-fronted building which will be able to accommodate a patient in their bed. The area will allow the patient and their loved ones to spend quality time together, away from the hustle and bustle of the wards, as they prepare to say goodbye. It will provide an area for quiet contemplation, peaceful reflection and privacy for all.

Children will be able to play, pets can visit and memories to treasure can be made at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

There is never a good time to say goodbye, but we all share the same vision of wishing to be surrounded by our loved ones in our final hours.

The Garden

The Butterfly Garden will provide a peaceful haven away from the busy ward, there will be space for family and friends to spend quality time together and enable children and pets to visit. It will also provide a vital space for staff to hold difficult conversations.

The garden will be full of sensory plants and include a water feature. It will be specially designed to allow for easy movement of the patient in their bed, so they can also enjoy the outside space.

The building will have large glass doors which will open to make the space feel part of the garden. There will be calming light, music, a TV; everything needed to make it a comfortable environment for all.

These things will provide an area which doesn't feel like a hospital, but a beautiful place to provide sanctuary at a difficult time.

The garden will provide:

a peaceful haven away from the busy ward

space for families to spend quality time together

pets to be able to visit for the last time

space for staff to have difficult conversations with loved ones

a tranquil outside space for patients in their bed

Click here to read more about the appeal and how we have already enhanced the care for end of life patients and their loved ones at West Suffolk Hospital My WiSH Charity's Butterfly Appeal

Appeal launch photo: Palliative care nurses Marie Rees, Liz Eagles and Sam Hobson with head of fundraising Sue Smith, appeal manager Sally Daniels and Chester the poodle!