New therapeutic garden helping patients dig into recovery at Bunbury Regional Hospital
Bunbury Regional Hospital’s Subacute Restorative Unite (SARU) has introduced a new therapeutic gardening program, providing patients with a unique and engaging way to aid their rehabilitation.
The initiative – a first for the WA Country Health Service – is led by the hospital’s occupational therapy team and offers patients gardening sessions designed to enhance physical, cognitive and social recovery in a newly renovated space.
Patients on the unit are typically people on the road to regaining their strength and independence through rehabilitation following medical conditions, injuries or surgeries.
Bunbury Regional Hospital Director, Jeff Calver, said the initiative was a collaborative effort, supported by doctors, nurses and allied health staff.
“We noticed an opportunity in the rehabilitation program for an age demographic which typically loves gardening,” he said.
“Some patients find traditional rehabilitation settings, such as gyms, challenging. So the chance to spend more time outdoors doing something they enjoy had great potential.”
The space has been carefully designed with garden beds at various heights to accommodate patients of all mobility levels, allowing for both standing and seated participation.
In addition to individual sessions tailored to patients’ personal recovery requirements, give patients the chance to share their rehabilitation.
All sessions are led by occupational therapists, physical therapists, and allied health assistants.
According to Mr Calver, the program is already receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“The response has been fantastic so far,” he said.
“Gardening is a great way to encourage movement, dexterity, and engagement – all of which are critical for rehabilitation.
“Patients are also enjoying the strong sense of community and appreciate the opportunity to be part of something meaningful during their recovery.”
One participant, an 83-year-old recovering from a stroke, is enjoying being involved with the new initiative.
“I’ve always been passionate about gardening, so to be able to incorporate enjoying the warmer weather into my recovery has been really satisfying,” they said.
“It’s rewarding socially as well, and it gives me something to look forward to. It’s my favourite time of the week.”
Bunbury Regional Hospital has worked closely with expert advisors from around Western Australia to create processes which ensure patients are kept safe while participating in the therapy garden.
The SARU team are looking forward to seeing the garden evolve, while continuing to find innovative ways to help patients on their rehabilitation journey.