The League of Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital is calling on patients, families and residents to assist its mission in delivering a new wellbeing garden for the community hospital in Teddington.

The independent charity works to improve healthcare at the hospital by educating the public on the needs of patients and the provision of amenities, buildings and equipment which may be required for treatment and to generally support the charitable work of the hospital.

The Friends' latest project sees it aiming to raise £20,000 for a wellbeing haven for patients, staff and visitors.

As The Lensbury's Charity of the Year for 2023, the riverside resort's upcoming Dragon Boat Challenge on Sunday, 16 July and charity cycle taking place from 2nd - 4th August, will see money raised contributed directly towards the wellbeing garden scheme and both The Friends and The Lensbury are encouraging residents to get involved.

The NHS loses 348,028 working days due to staff anxiety, stress, and depression in just one month and a wellbeing garden would be seen as playing a crucial role in the maintaining of staff health at Teddington Memorial Hospital. Having access to a vibrant, well-maintained hospital garden would allow staff to feel more relaxed calm, refreshed and re-energised and report significantly higher levels of wellbeing.

Getting outside and enjoying fresh air is also vital for patients and would help them spend time with visitors in less stressful surroundings.

The League of Friends raised the necessary funds to landscape a garden at the back of the building in 2009 but was designed especially for patients with areas for them to walk and sit.

The current garden at Teddington Memorial Hospital was designed in 2009 primarily for patients and a revamp would allow for an inclusive space for patients, staff and visitors to enjoy together (Credit: Teddington Memorial Hospital)

Raising £20,000 would allow for a complete revamp to deliver an inclusive space for patients, visitors and staff alike to take a break or to utilise in the course of their work. The hospital says it will also improve visitor and patient wellbeing and improve staff mental health and ensure the community hospital is able to retain its valuable health team.

As well as the upcoming charity events, members of the public are able to get involved by contributing to the hospital's fundraiser or by participating in a charity challenge.

For more information on The League of Friends of Teddington Memorial Hospital and the wellbeing garden project, visit the link here.