The Critical Care Garden was made possible thanks to kind donations and in Summer 2022 the garden was officially opened by Steph McGovern.

The garden, offers patients and staff a private, tranquil space to spend precious time with their loved ones away from the clinical environment.

It features a range of beautiful plants, screens, seating, a gold sculpture and a window etching of Cleveland Hills.

It is hoped the new garden will also benefit patients rehabilitation as they become re-acquainted with the outside world and use their senses to stimulate the healing process.

We are asking for donations so we can maintain the garden so it can be enjoyed by patients and staff for many years to come.

Critical care consultant Diane Monkhouse said: We are so grateful to everyone who has given their time, energy and donations to this project. None of this project would have been possible without the generosity of ex-patients, families, colleagues, past and present, and members of the public.

The garden was designed by local artist Laura Johnston, who has a very personal connection to the hospitals critical care garden.

Having the opportunity to design the whole space was just lovely because of my connection to critical care and the fact I spent many a Christmas day here visiting my brother, Ian, who was a long stay ICU patient, she said.

Before, this was just a barren courtyard with narrow pathways and lots of bamboo. It really wasnt suitable to bring patients in their beds out.

Now its a space that can be enjoyed all year round.

When not used by patients, the garden can be accessed by critical care staff, offering them a restful place for them to take some time out.

We are asking for donations so we can establish a Friends of the Critical Care Garden group to provide ongoing maintenance.