The previously unused outdoor space, located at Tay Ward, has now been transformed into a purposefully designed area for patients, staff, and visitors. The garden will improve patient rehabilitation by offering a safe outdoor environment for physical activity, social interaction and connection to nature.
The new garden features improved walkways for patients to practice mobility and balance, new seating, sensory planting and a nature interpretation board. “Poem-objects” cleverly designed by artist-in-residence, Alec Finlay, to incorporate usable garden tools, can also be found throughout the garden. Additionally, dedicated areas have been created with the installation of Strength and Balance posts, featuring a suite of gentle seated and standing movements.
The newly opened garden is the culmination of a successful year-long partnership between our Active Health and Care programme, Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), NHS Tayside and the NHS Tayside Charitable Trust. This project is an extension of a longer-term partnership between the organisations, which has previously improved outdoor areas at Blairgowrie Community Hospital and shared gardens at Murray Royal Hospital.
Kayleigh Lytham, our Active Health and Care Manager at Paths for All who has been managing the project, said:
By providing a safe, accessible outdoor space, we're not just improving the physical environment – it’s enhancing the overall rehabilitation experience.
This garden offers patients the opportunity to engage in crucial walking, strength, and balance activities in a quiet, natural setting, which can significantly boost their recovery and overall wellbeing.
It's a prime example of how thoughtful design can create a culture of physical activity within a healthcare setting, benefiting both patients and staff.
Charity Chief Officer of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, Shelley McCarthy said:
This type of project really helps to enhance the patient experience and is something that the Foundation are really passionate about in helping to achieve our vision to help the people of Tayside live better and longer lives.
Walking and wheeling combined with strength and balance encourages mobility, stability and confidence in movement. Regularly and consistently doing these movements can help an individual to build muscle strength, improve overall balance and reduces the risk of falls, or repeat falls, particularly when accessing the outdoors.
Lisa McFarlane, team lead for Physiotherapy at Tay Ward, said:
The new garden will motivate our patients, and will help make them feel revived and refreshed. Some of our patients have already engaged not only with the garden but are also recognising the outdoor exercises from the work they have been doing in the gym or at home. Having the exercise equipment outside benefits both the physical and mental wellbeing of patients.
The new outdoor space was designed to be as attractive as possible to provide a stress-free and relaxing environment. The addition of several seating areas and greenspace will encourage patients and their families to spend time outside whilst benefiting from fresh air and daylight as part of their rehabilitation.
The project particularly benefits elderly and frail patients in long-term care at PRI, many of whom are recovering from falls or managing conditions such as dementia or Parkinson's.
One patient said,
It’s been so lovely to be able to get out of the ward, especially as the weather was so nice.
Another patient said,
It’s an excellent mix of accessibility and attraction.
Through the Active Health and Care programme, healthcare staff have been provided with training and resources to support them to deliver walking with strength and balance activities, by building them into daily practice and care.
Anne Davidson, senior nurse for medicine for the elderly said:
I’m thrilled to have finally seen this project come to fruition and am already seeing the joy of patients being able to use this outside space. I would like to thank everyone who has made this possible.”
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to creating a culture of physical activity within healthcare settings, benefiting both patients and staff. By providing opportunities for outdoor rehabilitation, the garden is expected to contribute to improved patient outcomes.
The completion of this project marks a significant step in enhancing patient care on Tay Ward at Perth Royal Infirmary, offering a healing environment that supports physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
For more information about Strength and Balance in healthcare settings, please visit our dedicated page here.
You can read about renovation works which took place at Murray Royal Hospital here and here.