Winnie’s Story

Winnie, a woman in her eighties, was admitted to one of our Care of Older People wards earlier this year following a fall. Winnie has dementia. During her long stay at the hospital, she suffered frequent episodes of restlessness and aggression.

On one occasion, Winnie became particularly agitated and upset. In desperation, one of our specialist dementia nurses took Winnie outside in a wheelchair. Carefully navigating the car park, she wheeled Winnie slowly along the pavement until Winnie spotted a solitary rose bush. She reached out to pick a rose.

Winnie took time in feeling the petals and smelling the scent of the rose. Almost immediately, Winnie became calmer. For the first time since her admission, she smiled.

Back on the ward, Winnie’s behaviour was markedly changed. Winnie’s short visit outside had such a positive and lasting effect on her mood, and it highlighted just how transformational a purpose-built garden would be for patients like her.