Providing Compassionate Care through the development of a New Access Walkway & Sensory Garden.

Description

Prior to the development of the new hospital access area Service Users with mobility issues, parents with baby’s / toddlers & wheelchair / mobility scooter users had to enter the hospital by using the road due to no suitable pathway as their access to the building. In early 2023 a quality improvement was introduced to provide a safe entrance for patients, service users & staff to the hospital. In consultation with senior management, maintenance personnel, a gardening contractor regarding design and discussion with the Older persons Council and Age Friendly a walkaway which combined a sensory garden was developed at the entrance to the hospital.

Originally, a steep sloped area at the entrance was transformed, in to a user friendly wheelchair accessible safe meandering pathway lined by flowers & plants & seating areas that allows for a rest (if needed) as they make their way to the hospital. It has improved the entrance to the hospital & formally announces to the people of Monaghan & further afield of the commitment & compassion that Cavan Monaghan Hospital have in working with Monaghan Older Peoples Council & Age Friendly in meeting the requirements of the Age Action Ireland Strategy. The 2022 Census of Ireland supports this as the census would indicate that the elderly population is on the rise therefore showing a need to put systems in place for our older population.

Sensory gardens are therapeutic landscapes designed to engage the senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing which create a unique environment that fosters a deep connection with the natural world. These gardens where filled with carefully selected sensory plants that are not just visually appealing but they allow for moments of healing, comfort, play and sensory exploration which are ideal for a dementia diagnosis. They promote relaxation & stress reduction, social interaction along with promoting communal spaces that encourage social interaction. This gardens provides a setting for gatherings, educational programs, and therapeutic group activities, fostering social skills and community engagement.

The garden walkway has created a meeting point for family & friends when visiting their loved one which allows time spent in the open air. Its rustic recycled seating provides an opportunity to relax from a height enjoying the views of Monaghan town and its surrounding hillsides. An area for some locals to reminisce. The seating itself in consultation was adapted to meet the needs of an older person / person with a disability. The garden area was carefully designed to promote sustainability through its plant and seating choices. The garden consists of raised beds planted with flowers, a patio, recycled seating & picnic table, which enjoys visits from our feathered friends that use the recycled bird table & accompanied, by the butterflies & the bumblebees that visit to spread the pollen and perhaps an area of education for the human visitors. The area has a picturesque view of areas of Monaghan Town, which is a talking point for patients, staff, visitors & friends. It has become the focal point of the hospital and an additional bonus is that it also provides healing and open-air rehabilitation for both patients and staff.

Feedback from staff & families has been incredible “we can now enjoy our lunch in the sun to the buzzing of the bees”. Families enjoy taking their loved ones out for a walk among the beautiful plants and flowers “fresh air and nature is supporting my father’s recovery”.

With the development of both the access walkway and sensory garden an area has been created that assist in rehabilitation as research has shown have a positive impact on people’s mental and physical health to include emotional well-being and will assist Monaghan Hospital in achieve its “Age Friendly Status”.

Aim of Initiative

To provide a safe entrance for patients, service users to the hospital and promote healing through a sensory garden.

Who is it aimed at

The initiative is aimed at all Service Users that attend Monaghan Hospital & as a rehabilitation area for Patients & Staff.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Set your aim / Brainstorm and achieve buy in from all disciplines and an agreed designed
2. Funding sourced to allow work to commence
3. Timeframe to complete

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Sourcing funding
2. Sourcing a Gardener to complete the garden
3. The weather

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Timeframe and budget achieved
2. Provided a safe environment for all service users.
3. Formally announces to the people of Monaghan & further afield of the commitment & compassion that Cavan Monaghan Hospital have in working with Monaghan Older Peoples Council & Age Friendly in meeting the requirements of the Age Action Ireland Strategy