Middlesbrough’s flagship hospital could see a new garden built, to provide a ‘sanctuary’ for those who have suffered spinal injuries
James Cook University Hospital (Image: Evening Gazette)
A Middlesbrough hospital could be getting a new garden, to help those recovering from spinal injuries. Proposals submitted to Middlesbrough Council seek planning permission for a new garden room, a smaller “pod” space and a greenhouse, along with an office/shed and storage space.
The new buildings, along with a secured gate entrance, would all be located at The Golden Jubilee regional spinal injuries centre at James Cook University Hospital. Currently, the site primed for development acts as a paved courtyard garden.
Detailed plans were set out on behalf of the applicant, Horatio’s Garden, which is a charity that sets out to nurture the wellbeing of people after spinal injury in “beautiful, accessible and sustainable gardens”, within NHS spinal injury centres.
Papers lodged with the council said: “The ambition is to transform the courtyard adjacent to the spinals unit to provide a wheelchair accessible, restorative garden, which will benefit thousands of patients, relatives and NHS staff.”
The background information provided added: “Spinal injuries are life-changing events and can happen to anyone, of any age. Following the injury patients become paralysed to a varying extent. Most patients will spend five months to a year in the spinal injury centre, while they learn to live with the effect of the injury. This time is spent in a necessarily clinical environment, often with little privacy and miles away from home.”
The “sanctuary” aims to be the “antithesis” of the clinical environment. Most patients are expected to use the garden to relax following therapy sessions, with some engaging in gardening. An arts programme, including live music and food events, will also be organised.
The development site is currently a ground-level courtyard, with surfaces described as “inconsistent” and difficult for wheelchair users to navigate. The planting in place is “minimal”, with the courtyard being enclosed by hospital buildings.
The landscape designers for this project are said to have taken inspiration from the North York Moors, the coastline, as well as Middlesbrough’s industrial heritage. “Accessible pathways, raised planters, and immersive planting will enable patients to experience nature at close quarters, whether walking, using a wheelchair, or from a bed” and “a greenhouse with specially designed raised beds will enable patients to take part in horticultural therapy”, documents explain.
When it comes to the practicalities of building the larger garden room and the smaller pod, papers add: “External materials of stone and steel help to provide a robust exterior, whilst implementing a contemporary and sustainable approach to building using timber construction.
“The timber construction will be reflected internally. Stepping through the threshold into the interior space, users will discover a timber-lined interior space filled with natural light from all directions – helped by the use of a series of roof lights. The internal spaces aim to create a sense of calm, with material warmth and an intimate atmosphere.”
The larger garden pavilion will act as a communal space for patients and visitors, and will host a kitchenette and tables, while the smaller pod will be a more “insular” space, where patients and visitors can go to enjoy greater privacy.
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