The Health Tree Foundation is fundraising to create a specialist therapy garden in the heart of Goole hospital.

The charitys aim is to raise £100,000 to transform a large courtyard area at Goole hospital and create a dedicated therapeutic sensory garden space suited to all patients, including those living with learning and physical disabilities, dementia and other conditions which may limit mobility.

It is also hoped the new garden will be used by staff and visitors too and be an important part of the hospital site

Goole matron Kerry Owen and ward manager Tracey Ward has shared their vision for the garden.

They said: We would love to create a garden with lots of uses and benefits for all, with lots of points of interest to help engage patients such as a postbox, a bus stop, faux shop fronts, accessible raised flower beds for gardening therapies, plants, lights in the trees and stimulating artwork on the walls.

Fruit trees, brightly coloured scented flowers, pots, herbs and vegetables will all add to the enhanced environment. It is good for patients as well as nature.

There is lots of evidence that gardens and gardening is beneficial to mental and physical health. For those patients with mobility issues, the garden will be a great space for outdoor physiotherapy sessions. Seats and benches will allow patients to enjoy the fresh air in a safe environment away from the often busy hospital wards.

For dementia patients and those coping with confusion and memory loss, plants and flowers are proven to be good tools for reminiscence, with patients often remembering previous gardens from the sight and scent of plants and flowers. Other additions to the garden include soothing music and sounds, lights and different textures of plants and trees.

The garden will have many multi-sensory aspects and patients and visitors will enjoy lots of different experiences, from the gentle sound of trickling water, birdsong, wildlife, scented flowers and homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Staff members and their families are already giving up their spare time to volunteer each month to keep the garden areas tidy and would be willing to get involved in so much more.

If you are a community group, local business or individuals wh would like to get involved please get in touch. We'd love you to be part of this amazing home grown project.