Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales has heard first-hand from patients and staff about the healing power of nature during a visit hosted by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).
The Princess joined patients, staff and volunteers in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital on Wednesday 2 July before chatting to members of the Trust’s Cancer Wellbeing Centre team and the patients who use its vital services.
The Princess of Wales visited Colchester Hospital’s Wellbeing Garden and Cancer Wellbeing Centre
Her Royal Highness spent time with them to understand how gardens and wellbeing services in healthcare settings play a crucial role for our minds, body and spirit, promoting good health outcomes, and supporting recovery time.
The Princess of Wales greets patients, visitors and staff
ESNEFT Chief Executive Nick Hulme said: “It was a privilege and joy to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to ESNEFT and Colchester Hospital today.
“The Wellbeing Garden is so much more than a garden. We know getting into green spaces and away from the hustle and bustle is really important and has a positive impact on people’s health and sense of wellbeing.
“The project to design, build and plant the Wellbeing Garden had our patients, visitors and staff at its heart. To see it being used and enjoyed by so many people over the past year has been wonderful.
“Our Cancer Wellbeing Centre team and the services offered there play a huge role in supporting our patients, and their families, at what is for many of them, the most difficult time of their lives.
“Sharing the impact of the work we do there for people before, during and after cancer treatment with The Princess was very special for everyone involved.”
Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales with ESNEFT Chief Executive Nick Hulme
Spending time in nature plays an important role in bringing joy and supporting mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing – something that especially resonates with Her Royal Highness as she recovers from cancer herself.
Stephen Tipple, 44, from Colchester, is still receiving cancer treatment after receiving his diagnosis in 2010. He told The Princess that having access to the Cancer Wellbeing Centre and its services had changed everything for him after mainly navigating his cancer journey alone with his wife for 13 years.
“It’s the best thing that’s happened since my diagnosis,” he said.
“The combination of everything, it’s all brilliant. It’s such a happy space. I’ve spent so much time in hospital and wards. To come here is completely different. It’s amazing.”
The Princess’ visit coincided with the donation of 50 “Catherine’s Rose” plants, named for The Princess by the RHS with funds from sales going to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Her Royal Highness was invited to plant some of the roses in the Wellbeing Garden, alongside volunteers from both the RHS and ESNEFT during the visit.
The Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital, which opened almost a year ago, is a relaxing and restorative space for patients, visitors and staff alike.
The garden was created in partnership with the RHS, Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity and NHS Charities Together, the latter of which is a joint patronage of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Garden designer Adam Frost with The Princess
During her visit, The Princess also met with award-winning garden designer Adam Frost, who led the design of the garden. She heard how he worked with NHS staff through the design and consultation process to make sure the garden met the needs of everyone who would use eventually use it and benefit from the space.
A total of 500 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants will be donated to other wellbeing and community gardens across the UK this summer.
The Princess of Wales enjoyed personal conversations with patients and volunteers in the Cancer Wellbeing Centre
Giving something back through nature
The Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital aims to provide patients, visitors and staff with a calming and welcoming space in which to rest and recharge. It’s also a vital facility for the community, offering several activities for those working in or visiting the hospital to take part in.
Located at the front of the main hospital building, and close to the Cancer Wellbeing Centre, sustainability has been at the heart of the build and the garden has been designed to be resilient to climate change.
A series of paths weave through trees, wildflowers and drought-tolerant planting, reflecting the dry conditions of the East of England region. The garden includes both sociable and more private seating areas to accommodate those looking for a place to pause and unwind.
The project was part of a national initiative launched by the RHS and the Greener Communities Fund which is a partnership between NHS Charities Together and Hubbub, funded by the Starbucks 5p cup charge.
Supporting patients before, during and after their cancer treatment
The Cancer Wellbeing Centre opened in 2019. The building was funded entirely by community donations to the Cancer Centre Campaign run by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.
It provides vital support and information if you are affected by cancer. Whether you are a patient, family member or carer, the team is there to help.
The centre offers a non-clinical and relaxing environment in a tranquil lakeside setting within the hospital grounds. The services provided there include:
- Specialist information and advice
- Counselling services
- Complementary therapies
- Physical activity services
- Hair and skincare advice
- Dietary advice
- Practical support
- Benefits advice and signposting
- A venue for self help and support groups
The wellbeing centre team works in partnership with local health and social care providers, local and national community and voluntary organisations, and with local charities and support groups to introduce people to wellbeing activities and resources that can help to meet their individual needs.
The team can offer information about emotional and practical support, coping with side effects, financial advice, getting back to work and making healthy lifestyle choices. They can also introduce people to one of their wellbeing programmes or activities designed to help improve the sense of wellbeing that are held either within the centre or in the local area. This support is all available before, during and after cancer treatment.
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