'Beautiful sanctuary' unveiled at Welwyn Garden City hospital

A GARDEN which provides solace and tranquillity for those with mental health difficulties has been officially opened at the QE2 Hospital in WGC. The �140,000 facility, which has been three years in the making, was unveiled by MP Grant Shapps. Matron

A GARDEN which provides solace and tranquillity for those with mental health difficulties has been officially opened at the QE2 Hospital in WGC.

The �140,000 facility, which has been three years in the making, was unveiled by MP Grant Shapps.

Matron Rada Veerabudren, from the hospital's mental health unit, described the garden as "beautiful" and said its purpose was to provide both sanctuary and fresh air for up to 80 patients.

"There has been a lot of research done that has shown that outdoor activities helps the mental wellbeing of people in addition to improving physical health," she said.

As for her patients, Mrs Veerabudren said: "They love it."

The garden, which incorporates plants, seats, decking and a giant chess set, was funded by a �50,000 grant from the Health department with the rest from the Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The project was also supported by WGC-based mental health charity Viewpoint.

Chief executive Dennis Edwards said the garden was "fantastic" and a "big improvement" on the old patio which preceded it.

Mr Shapps praised the "tremendous work" of staff in bringing the garden to life.

"It is an extremely worthwhile project," he added.