Ninewells Perinatal Garden

Please donate and support this amazing project! Although some of the funding has been secured we still need your help with the remaining balance and maintenance costs to ensure this space is welcoming, inviting, peaceful and restorative as the day its installed.

Funding

NHS Tayside has been awarded funding from Scottish Government from their Greenspace funding to encourage further use of greenspace by patients, staff, visitors and members of the local community. The development of NHS outdoors estate can support health and well-being, as well as help meet other NHS policies such as sustainability and biodiversity.

Further information around the benefits can be read via ‘Good Design of the Outdoor Estate’.

The Project

The funding has been awarded solely for the development of a greenspace within an unused area for the families and staff within the maternity and neonatal services in Ninewells Hospital. We recognise that families and staff can endure stressful and traumatic life events whilst in a hospital environment with limited access to the outdoor space. The garden will also contribute to NHS Scotland’s net zero goal as well as attract additional wildlife to these unused areas.

Scope

In addition, once the garden is established, there are plans to explore what other functions the garden may have, for example, a space for therapy or activities. We hope to create a space that will be long-lasting for families and staff, one that can be of benefit for new families for many years to come, and be a place that families can come back to.

Ethos

"There is a growing body of research evidencing the benefits of green, outdoor space to both physical and mental well-being of patients and their families, including reduction in physiological measures of stress such as heart rate and blood pressure, improved restoration and higher satisfaction with healthcare and overall quality of care".

"This is particularly pertinent to the women and families within the maternity and neonatal service, who can endure stressful and traumatic life events, many in hospital for long periods with limited ability to access outdoor spaces. An outdoor space would provide them with the opportunity to reflect, refresh, reconnect with family and take time for their own well being".