Hospital Garden in Memory of Michael Jones

In memory of Michael Jones, Michael Jones Jeweller donated the funds needed to totally refurbish a garden within Northampton General Hospital in to a dementia- friendly environment. The aim of the garden was to enhance the hospital stay for elderly and frail patients and offers a sensory experience either by sight, touch or smell. For patents who are more active, it offers space to stretch their legs and undertake simple gardening tasks, this, in turn, will help reduce stress and agitation resulting in happier, calmer patients. The makeover involved turning a grassy bank into accessible raised beds filled with herbs, flowering plants, ferns and shrubs, the installation of sensory touch panels, garden furniture and a wind chime. The garden was opened on 14th September 2017 by Northampton Town Mayor Cllr Gareth Eales. The garden was installed by 4th Corner Landscaping and was co-ordinated by Alison McCulloch, who leads the "Do It for Dementia Charity” at the hospital. Although accessible to all, the garden will be of particular benefit for Northampton General Hospital therapists, as part of their care for patients with dementia.