Princess Catherine joined patients, staff and volunteers in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital on Wednesday July 2.
She also spoke to members of the Trust’s Cancer Wellbeing Centre team and the patients who use its vital services.
The princess, who is recovering from cancer, heard how gardens in healthcare settings play a crucial role in promoting good health outcomes and preventing poor health.
The princess planted some of the roses in the Wellbeing Garden alongside volunteers from ESNEFT and the RHS.
The Princess of Wales during a visit to the RHS’s Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital in Essex (Image: Stefan Rousseau)
Nick Hulme, chief executive of East Suffolk and North Essex Trust which runs Colchester Hospital, said: “It was a privilege and joy to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to ESNEFT and Colchester Hospital today.
“The Wellbeing Garden is so much more than a garden. We know getting into green spaces and away from the hustle and bustle is really important and has a positive impact on people’s health and sense of wellbeing.
“The project to design, build and plant the Wellbeing Garden had our patients, visitors and staff at its heart. To see it being used and enjoyed by so many people over the past year has been wonderful.”
The Princess of Wales during a visit to the RHS’s Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital in Essex (Image: Stefan Rousseau)
Mr Hulme also said Colchester Hospital’s Cancer Wellbeing Centre team and the services offered there play a “huge role” in supporting patients and their families.
He said Princess Catherine’s’ involvement “was very special for everyone involved.”
The Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital opened almost a year ago and was created in partnership with the RHS, Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity.
It was also created as part of the NHS Charities Together, a joint patronage of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
The Princess’ visit also coincided with the donation of 50 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants to the garden with 500 of the plants set to be planted this summer nationally in health care settings.
The princess also met with award-winning garden designer Adam Frost, who led the design of the garden.
Mr Frost worked with NHS staff through the design and consultation process to make sure the garden met the needs of patients and staff alike.