Patient’s planting project for spring
Patients from St Catherine’s Hospice Neurological Clinic have been making the most of the warm weather to do some planting in the hospice garden.
Patients, with a range of neurological conditions including Parkinson’s and Motor Neurone Disease (MND), have been planting radishes, sunflowers and spring onions in accessible trugs and planters.
The project is all part of how St Catherine’s helps people to live well, keeping them moving and helping some of them to continue their passion for gardening.
Planting helps patients wellbeing
Irene Morgan, an Occupational Therapy student from Brighton University, sourced the specialised equipment to allow patients to garden while she was on placement at the hospice. She said: “Gardening’s really meaningful for some patients but as their illnesses have progressed, they haven’t been able to garden for themselves. Many of our neurological patients are in wheelchairs or suffer with fatigue but our accessible equipment has helped make sure they can still connect with activities they enjoy in spite of their illness. Being able to continue to do things like gardening is important for wellbeing and I’ve really enjoyed planting with the patients.”
About Day Hospice
St Catherine’s Day Hospice recognises that people are more than their illness and provides a range of wellbeing activities, from exercise groups to art, creative writing and peer to peer support groups.
For many patients, attending Day Hospice is a highlight of their week, allowing them to create happy memories at the hospice.
