STARS team collaborate for patients with a green thumb

Oliver from Rehabilitation Engineering with one of the garden beds they installed for Ward 5A.

When Ward 5A nurse unit manager Debbie Kerr and the nursing team had a vision to install garden beds on their balcony at STARS, Rehabilitation Engineering Team Leader Oliver Mason and the team from Rehabilitation Engineering were quick to jump in and help.

Oliver was given a brief to create two garden beds that are accessible for patients both standing and seated, and big enough to grow various vegetables and succulents.

“We found the perfect beds at Bunnings that just needed to be assembled by our Rehabilitation Engineering students who made a few adjustments, so they are fixed and safe for patients to use,” Oliver said.

“We spoke to the onsite gardener and got advice on soil mix, then the team here planted lettuce, chilli, tomato, basil, beetroot and various succulents.

“If they are able, patients can come out here and enjoy the sun, fresh air, and tend to the gardens.”
For Debbie, the garden beds provide a great way to encourage patients to spend time outdoors in a safe space. 

“Often our patients are initially restricted to the immediate ward area and the ability to offer outdoor space with a task has assisted in not only their physical rehabilitation but their cognitive rehabilitation also,” said Debbie.

“Patients who are suitable are identified and given the ‘task’ of tending and watering the gardens. Often, they perform the task in pairs and so the gardening can become a social occasion as well.

“Clinton was one of our recent patients in the Brain Injury and Rehabilitation Unit (BIRU) who benefitted enormously from the installed garden beds. He was in the unit for three months and tended the gardens every day. Clinton often stated how the gardening made his stay in hospital much more bearable.

“Being able to look after the gardens also taught Clinton new skills, ones he was able to carry with him into the community after his discharge from STARS. He is now building his own garden at his new house.”