Legacies come in many shape and sizes.
On the 4th floor of LGH tucked in a corner of the sub-acute ward, it comes in the form of an edible garden that brings tranquility and beauty to staff and patients alike. The garden, which was created through a $500 legacy of former patient Michael Cutler, provides a quiet sanctuary for staff, visitors and patients of the unit which treats many elderly and dementia patients.
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Michael, who suffered from early onset dementia liked to garden with his young son and the unique space was created in his honour. With a legacy donation, staff were able to buy planter boxes, equipment and plants to transform a neglected balcony into a quiet green oasis. The garden is maintained by staff with help from patients on the ward. “It is a really nice space that is maintained throughout the year,” says Krista McPhail, Patient Care Co-ordinator on the unit. “The garden gives patients space to do an activity they enjoy and families can go there when they need a moment to themselves.” Eight years after the original donation, Michael’s legacy lives on as the garden continues to bloom and grow.