Barnet Hospital Garden Room officially opened

Last updated 13-Oct-10 11:52

The new Garden Room at Barnet Hospital - designed as a peaceful retreat for families of patients at the end of life - was opened today in the presence of local dignitaries, as well as those volunteers and members of the local community who worked with Trust staff to bring the project together.

The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet, Councillor Anthony Finn was in attendance together with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Quality), the Earl Howe, who cut the ribbon to open the Garden Room at 10.30am. Prior to the ceremony, Earl Howe had been given a tour of the hospital, and praised the professionalism and commitment of staff in their efforts to provide a good patient experience.

The Garden Room was funded by many generous donors and contributors, including The Late Fred Wolffing Estate, The King's Fund, Barnet League of Friends, Marks and Spencers Southgate, Waitrose Enfield, and Nandos Enfield. Proceeds from the 2009 5k Fun Run/Walk had also helped pay for the Garden Room.

Representatives of these organisations were present at the unveiling, including Sarah Waller CBE, Programme Director of The King's Fund Enhancing the Healing Environment Programme and Hedley Finn MBE, The King's Fund Design Consultant. The Enhancing the Healing Environment (EHE) Programme was launched in 2000 by HRH The Prince of Wales, President of The King's Fund, as part of their activities to mark the millennium. It is an innovative grants and development programme that aims to encourage and enable local Trust teams to work in partnership with service users to improve the environment in which they deliver care.

As important as the financial contributions were the many hours of time given by volunteers to help design the Garden Room and choose the appropriate furniture and plants. Trust Chairman, Baroness Wall of New Barnet told the assembled guests: "It is a truly therapeutic environment. The Garden Room is unique within our hospitals but we can certainly take lessons from it in future developments, involving local people and organisations, harnessing the talents of our staff and incorporating sustainable development ideas."

Volunteers are still needed to continue maintaining the plants and décor of the Garden Room. If you would like to donate your time and skills to this cause, please contact Mark Louisy, Voluntary Services Manager, via email: Mark.Louisy@bcf.nhs.uk.