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A previously unused area at a Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s (WWL) site has been transformed into a new Veteran’s Garden designed for veteran patients and their families to enjoy.
As part of the Trust’s D Day 80th Anniversary commemorations, the garden, that has taken staff and volunteers from the Armed Forces community a year to create, was officially opened at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary (RAEI), by the Mayor of Wigan Borough, Councillor Deborah Parkinson.
Designed to become an area where veteran patients and their families can enjoy some time out of the clinical environment, WWL’s Armed Forces Healthcare Lead, Leanne Cobham, said she hopes people will enjoy the space for peace and reflection.
Leanne said: “The garden will also be a place of dedication and respect to our local veterans and serving personnel where the Trust’s Tri-Services Flag will fly.
“Our wonderful Estates and Facilities teams have donated their time and skill in erecting the flagpole and mounting a sign, with volunteers tidying up the space for us and staff volunteering their time and gifting plants and planters to make the space welcoming.”
Research has shown that access to outside space improves both mental and physical health and helps to improve health outcomes so Leanne felt it was important to create a space for Armed Forces staff and patients where they could have access to a welcoming outdoor area.
Leanne added: “Although it's the Armed Forces Community Garden anyone from the Trust is welcome to use the space. We just ask that people respect that it is a place of reflection and space for some of our Armed Forces community and treat the garden as such.”
Cutting the ribbon, the Mayor of Wigan Borough, said: “I am from a service family myself and this garden is a wonderful place for patients, veterans and staff to come and sit, recover and reflect.
“It is my privilege to officially open the garden and I hope it will of use and comfort for patients and staff from the hospital, and their families.”
WWL’s Chief Executive, Mary Fleming also re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant at the special occasion.
Speaking of the importance of signing the Covenant on behalf of the Trust, CEO Mary Fleming said: “Caring for our Veterans and Armed Forces community is of the utmost importance to me, and the Trust, on both a personal and professional level.
“I am honoured to be asked to sign this agreement for another three years.”
The Armed Forces community are known to have difficulties accessing healthcare due to the culture of the Armed Forces and sometime due to the mental and physical injuries sustained during service, and being able to access health services that understand and support our Armed Forces community helps to reduce health inequalities.
Signing the covenant makes clear that WWL pledges to support the Armed Forces community and forms the basis of everything it can do to support the Armed Forces community.
Anyone who would like to get involved with the future development of the garden or volunteer their time to care and maintain it can contact volunteer@wwl.nhs.uk
Any veterans or their families can access care from the Armed Forces Healthcare Team via a nurse referral to the team or contact the team direct via AFHealthcare@wwl.nhs.uk