7 July, 2023
Garden makeover for St James’s Hospital
The staff and patients from St James’s Hospital would like to express sincere gratitude to Irish Distillers and their 220+ staff members who participated in the recent transformation of two disused spaces on our hospital’s campus, creating wellness gardens for patients and staff.
Hospital 5 is an older building and is currently home to our Dementia Care Unit, the GUIDe Clinic, and Dermatology and Neurology services. Previously, our patients in Hospital 5 didn’t have a close location to meet their visitors, or a space to sit out and enjoy the sun and the fresh air.
On being approached by Difference Days, it was an exciting opportunity that the hospital couldn’t say no to. Facilities Management Project Manager, Donal McKiernan and Sharon O’Hara, Assistant Director of Nursing (ADoN), coordinated the day and liaised with Irish Distillers to support the logistics around the works.
On the day, over 220 members of Irish Distillers staff came to the St James’s Hospital campus, and took part in a number of laborious tasks, such as painting, shovelling, sanding, sawing drilling etc. The initiative was a way for Irish Distillers to give back to the local Dublin community.
Having outdoor spaces available can have a range of therapeutic benefits. Studies suggest garden spaces can lower stress levels, and improve wellbeing, having a holistic impact on our patients and staff.