The University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity-funded garden is being created to provide a peaceful space for patients, their families, and staff in the BEACH Building at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

The critical care unit (CCU) can be a very intense place, with lots of medical equipment and constant monitoring.

This can make it hard for patients and NHS staff to enjoy the healing benefits of nature.

The BEACH Appeal by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity raised £89,000 to turn the 200m2 balcony attached to the CCU into an accessible, tranquil garden.

Dorset-based James Dean Creative Landscapes began work on the garden on Monday, July 14.

The space, designed to be peaceful and accessible, will allow patients to be brought into the garden in their beds, so they can enjoy the sun and fresh air while staying connected to their treatment.

Jessica Tyler, fundraising manager for The BEACH Appeal at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity, said: “We are amazed that we hit the fundraising target for this work just eight months after launching The BEACH Appeal in April 2024.

“It is a testament to the generosity of our community.

“I can’t wait for the day when the first patient uses this fantastic area.”

There will be power sockets, artwork, greenery and other meaningful details throughout the garden.

For families and young visitors, it will provide a break from the intense atmosphere of the CCU.

Rachael Hopkins, deputy sister and rehab/follow-up nurse at the CCU, said: “We’re incredibly excited to see work begin on the CCU Garden.

“Having such a beautiful, calming space away from the clinical environment will mean so much to patients and their loved ones.

“It will give them the chance to feel the fresh air on their face, relax and reconnect with nature.”

Previously, it could take up to 90 minutes to safely take a patient outdoors, which limited their access to fresh air.

The new garden will allow patients to get some fresh air within minutes.

The garden has been funded by gifts from Talbot Village Trust, the Morrisons Foundation, the Reed Foundation and supporters across Dorset.