Plymouth Hospital Charity is thrilled to announce that University Hospitals Plymouth's Derriford ICU Secret Garden has won the coveted Patient Experience Network National Award (PENNA) for 2024. This prestigious recognition highlights the innovative and compassionate work being carried out to improve patient care and wellbeing in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).

A Haven for Healing
The ICU Secret Garden, funded by UHP, Plymouth Hospital Charity and NHS Charities Together, was officially opened in December 2022 and was designed to provide a peaceful outdoor space for critically ill patients, their families, and staff. Often, ICU patients and their loved ones face long and emotionally challenging stays in a clinical environment. The Secret Garden offers a unique and tranquil escape from the pressures of the hospital, allowing patients and visitors to experience nature in a safe and comforting setting.

Enhancing Patient Wellbeing
Winning the PENNA award is a testament to the profound impact the ICU Secret Garden has had on patient experience. The space has provided emotional and mental health benefits, helping patients to relax, reduce anxiety, and foster a greater sense of hope and connection. It also serves as a place of respite for hospital staff, who can recharge and find moments of calm amidst the demands of their vital work. Kate Tantum, who’s a Specialist Sister at Derriford’s ICU, said:

"The Secret Garden team are thrilled that their work to improve patient, loved one and colleague experience using fresh air spaces has been nationally recognised.  We are very proud of our capacity to provide care for our amazing patients and loved ones irrespective of severity of illness and age."

Plymouth Hospital Charity is committed to driving more initiatives that enhance our patients experiences at the city's hospitals and we're delighted that the Secret Garden has been officially recognised for doing just that.

Read more about the garden, how it's used and how it has grown here: click here to read more

If you'd like to support the continuing growth of the Secret Garden you can make a donation here: Click to donate