The garden is designed to be a peaceful space for patients and staff at the Women’s Centre, home of maternity and new-born services.
It is dedicated to the memory of Professor Chris Redman, a global pioneer in maternal care who passed away in 2024.
The garden was opened on Tuesday, September 9, by Corinna Redman, Professor Redman’s wife.
She said: “It was a very moving experience seeing the lovely garden dedicated to my husband.
“For the whole family it was a great comfort to know he’s going to be remembered in this way.”
Professor Redman established the first dedicated maternal medicine service in 1973, known as the Silver Star Unit.
The new garden was co-funded by the Silver Star Maternity Fund, which is part of Oxford Hospitals Charity, and SSNAP, which provides extra support for sick new-borns and their families at the hospital.
The charity provides emotional and practical support to families, both during their hospital stay and after discharge, through its Little SSNAPlings groups.
It also helps to fund equipment for the unit, invest in training for NHS staff, and supports research projects – all to ensure the best possible care for sick and premature babies and their families.
Maggie Findlay from the Silver Star Maternity Fund said: “Throughout his life’s work, Professor Redman gave so much to women and babies, not only through his knowledge and care but through compassion, patience, and dedication to his patients.
“Prof was truly passionate about this project and improving wellbeing for patients and staff and improving hospital environments and spaces. I hope this amazing space stands as a living tribute to him.”
The space has been transformed, with new planting and seating, turning a once-disused piece of land into a pleasant and calming environment.
Emily Byrne from SSNAP said: “This beautiful new space offers a much-needed retreat during some of the most intense and emotional moments of their journey for both neonatal and maternity families.
“We’re so proud to have worked alongside Silver Star to bring this vision to life.”
Ms Findlay and Ms Byrne were at the official opening alongside Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust’s chief nurse, Yvonne Christley, members of the maternity and new-born care teams, charity staff, and friends and family of Professor Redman.
The charities also thanked all the donors who helped to fund the garden and Nicholsons Garden Design, who worked on the project, with some staff volunteering time to help with planting.
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