A NEW garden that was created by students was opened at Connolly Hospital last week.
The James Connolly Garden was designed by first year BSc Horticultural Students from the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB).
The students had carried out an assessment and reconstruction of one of the internal courtyards at Connolly Hospital as part of their course work under the guidance of academic staff from ITB and Karl Dalton, Environmental Manager at the hospital.
Mr Dalton said there was a growing awareness in healthcare that an attractive and healthy environment was one of the many factors that contribute to patient wellbeing.
“Hospitals are increasingly seen as part of the community rather than isolated institutions,
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“Linking these two aspects, the work carried out by the horticultural staff and students has greatly enhanced the central meeting point of the hospital and will be enjoyed by patients, visitors and staff for many years to come.
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Mary Walshe, Hospital Manager, said they were delighted with the collaboration between the Environmental Department and the Horticultural Department in the ITB.
“Research has shown that having access to nature and green spaces has a positive benefit on healing, reducing stress and promoting health and well-being,
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“In marking the opening of the garden on James Connolly’s birthday we also remember the person the hospital was named after.
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She added:
“We wish to thank SIPTU for their support in enabling the moving of the bust of James Connolly to be a centrepiece within the new garden.
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The students worked for weeks on the main internal courtyard of the hospital that had become overgrown and unsightly.
However, the hard work and imaginative designs have transformed it into a new garden.
It was a unique learning opportunity for Ciarnad Ryan, ITB horticulture lecturer, who said:
“The students found this provided them with real work experience in a challenging healthcare context and has been invaluable for the confidence and collaborative skills.
“Projects like this help to bring classroom theory to life and reinforces academic learning whilst improving class spirit.
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