Award for Plymouth hospital's secret garden

Derriford Hospital's secret garden was recognised for its role in supporting patients, their families and staff

A garden designed to offer a calming space for critically-ill hospital patients and their families has won a top award.

Derriford Hospital intensive care unit's (ICU) secret garden has received the 2024 PENNA [Patient Experience National Network Awards] accolade in recognition of the impact the space had had on patient care and staff wellbeing, organisers said.

The garden has been described as offering a "restorative environment, with accessible paths, therapeutic greenery, and seating areas where patients, families, and staff can relax away from the clinical setting".

It was opened in 2022 and funded by NHS Charities Together, alongside University Hospitals Plymouth Trust and contributions from local donors.

Kate Tantum, a specialist sister at Derriford’s ICU, said: "The secret garden team are thrilled that their work to improve patient, loved-one and colleague experience using fresh air spaces has been nationally recognised.

"We are very proud of our capacity to provide care for our amazing patients and loved ones irrespective of severity of illness and age."

The PENNAs recognise projects that significantly enhance patient care and experience across the UK healthcare system.

It said Derriford’s garden was chosen for its "exceptional approach to supporting wellbeing within a hospital environment".