By Robert Mitchell
NHS Lanarkshire worked with energy transformation organisation, Vital Energi, to enhance the garden area of Udston Hospital鈥檚 Brandon Ward. This unit supports patients living with dementia, and their families, who can now benefit from this calming greenspace. The project is part of NHS Lanarkshire鈥檚 commitment to reducing its carbon emissions. The health board鈥檚 sustainability team successfully applied to Vital Energi for funding, where an element of community investment was included alongside low-carbon solutions. Part of this funding was used to create a dedicated garden area that鈥檚 calming and meaningful for patients, their families and staff. The Vital Energi Scotland team worked enthusiastically with NHS Lanarkshire鈥檚 biodiversity manager, Stuart Ward, to transform the Hamilton courtyard into a therapeutic, dementia-friendly space with new planters and a range of plants and flowers. Stuart said: 鈥淚 would like to give a big thank you to Aidan Whetham, construction degree apprentice, and his team of volunteers at Vital Energi for the hard work and resources that have helped turn an unused garden space into an area especially for patients, staff and visitors. The transformation and positive impact it will have on patients is immeasurable.鈥 Craig Brown, head of sustainability and environmental performance at NHS Lanarkshire, said: 鈥淲e applied for this funding via the Scottish Government Greening Public Sector Estates Decarbonisation Scheme and were fortunate enough to receive 拢2 million. 鈥淭his funding was primarily used to improve the energy efficiency at Kirklands Headquarters and the West of Scotland Laundry by installing solar panels on both key sites, among other significant energy efficiency measures. 鈥淣ot only does the Brandon Ward project support NHS Lanarkshire鈥檚 goal to save nearly 200 tonnes of carbon emissions, but it has also been equally rewarding to contribute to something so special for patients 鈥 a peaceful, reflective space that supports wellbeing. 鈥淲e hope this is the first of many energy efficiency projects as we work towards further improving the greenspace and biodiversity across our sites.鈥 Kieran Walsh, regional director for Vital Energi, commented: 鈥淲e are honoured to have supported the Brandon Ward at Udston Hospital by creating a new outdoor space designed with compassion and care for patients living with dementia and their families. Our hope was to offer a place of comfort during what can be incredibly difficult times. 鈥淏eing part of something that has a real, tangible impact on end users in local communities is what makes this work so fulfilling. 鈥淭hanks to the dedication of the Vital Energi Scotland team and the generosity of our volunteers and contributors, we鈥檝e been able to give back to the wider community of Lanarkshire.鈥 * Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook ? Head on over and give us a like and share!