NHS Lanarkshire worked with energy transformation organisation, Vital Energi, to enhance the garden area of Udston Hospital’s Brandon Ward. This ward supports patients living with dementia, and their families, who can now access this newly transformed, calming greenspace.
The project is part of NHS Lanarkshire’s commitment to reducing its carbon emissions. The Sustainability Team successfully applied to Vital Energi for funding, where an element of community investment was included alongside low-carbon solutions. This funding was used to develop this garden to create a dedicated area that’s calming and meaningful for patients, their families and staff.
The Vital Energi Scotland team worked enthusiastically with NHS Lanarkshire’s Biodiversity Manager, Stuart Ward, to transform the courtyard into a therapeutic, dementia-friendly space with new planters and a range of plants and flowers.
Stuart said: “I would like to give a big thank you to Aidan Whetham, Construction Degree Apprentice, and his team of volunteers at Vital Energi for the hard work and resources that have helped turn an unused garden space into an area especially for patients, staff and visitors. The transformation and the positive impact it will have for patients is immeasurable.”
Craig Brown, Head of Sustainability & Environmental Performance, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We applied for this funding via the Scottish Government Greening Public Sector Estates Decarbonisation Scheme and were fortunate enough be successful to receive £2 million.
“This funding was primarily used to improve the energy efficiency at Kirklands Head Quarters and the West of Scotland Laundry by installing solar panels on both key sites, amongst other significant energy efficiency measures.
“Not only does the Brandon Ward project support NHS Lanarkshire’s goal to save nearly 200 tonnes of carbon emissions, but it has also been equally rewarding to contribute to something so special for patients – a peaceful, reflective space that supports wellbeing and recovery.
“We hope this is the first of many energy efficiency projects as we work towards further improving the greenspace and biodiversity across our sites.”
Kieran Walsh, Regional Director, Vital Energi, commented: “We are honoured to have supported the Brandon Ward at Udston Hospital by creating a new outdoor space designed with compassion and care for patients living with dementia and their families. Our hope was to offer a place of comfort during what can be incredibly difficult times.
“Being part of something that has a real, tangible impact on end users in local communities is what makes this work so fulfilling.
“Thanks to the dedication of the Vital Energi Scotland team and the generosity of our volunteers and contributors, we’ve been able to give back to the wider community of Lanarkshire.”
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L-R: Kirsty Platt, Energy & Sustainability Manager – NHS Lanarkshire, Aidan Whetham, Construction Degree Apprentice – Vital Energi, Stuart Ward, Biodiversity Manager – NHS Lanarkshire.
