Mobility Garden
Hospitals are not all about lying in bed, attached to beeping machines. It is vital that patient rehabilation is considered and there is an oppportunity to keep mobile. It is also important to have nice relaxing spaces that can stimulate patients, visitors and staff.
With hospital budgets being stretched, it is often hard to find the budget to provide these facilities. And that is where the Taranaki Health Foundation adds value. We worked with local businesses who either donated financially or gave in-kind, providing materials and services to create a stunning space for all at the hospital to enjoy.
A place to relax and recover
The purpose of the mobility garden is to allow rehabilitation patients to practice mobilising in an outdoor setting that poses similar challenges that could be faced in the community. But it is also a pleasant outdoor space to relax and escape the clinical hospital setting.
The focal point of the Garden is a striking wooden sculpture in the form of a tree. It was manufactured using in-kind donations such as local timber from Taranakipine and building support by Clelands Construction.
The purpose of the Garden is to provide:
- A warm welcoming space for patients and visitors at Taranaki Base Hospital
- A unique tree structure that provides shade and connection to the covered canopy
- Additional planting
- A Heroes Walkway which is lit at night and serves to promote health messages and inspirational stories
A new location
With the development of Project Maunga 2, the structure was relocated and can now be found outside the canteen. The recognition boards from the Heroes Walkway were also transferred to the new location. Next time you are at the hospital, take a moment to read some of the inspirational stories and enjoy the shade provided by the tree.
Thank you to everyone who donated
