Well Foundation is leading an exciting project to create New Zealand’s first large-scale, indoor hospital Healing Garden for our community. With $1 million raised so far and $1 million remaining, our GIVE A BIT OF GREEN campaign invites Shore residents and businesses to get behind the project and be part of creating an incredible space that will benefit our community for decades-to-come.

The Healing Garden will become the centrepiece of the new state-of-the-art hospital building currently under construction on the North Shore Hospital campus and will enhance the wellbeing of thousands of patients every day. Every dollar donated to the campaign will help fill the heart of the new hospital building with a magnificent 400sqm indoor garden transforming the central atrium into a restorative green space for patients, visitors and healthcare staff.

Being in hospital can be a stressful experience, with limited access to nature. Yet international research shows that access to greenery in hospitals not only encourages relaxation and reduces stress for patients, but can also help speed up recovery and improve clinical outcomes. Well Foundation has worked with the teams designing and building the new hospital facility to create this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the community to come together and shape our future hospital environment.

The Healing Garden will have a series of large organic shaped planters, some up to 40 metres long, filled with lush living plants suited to thriving indoors. There will be over 20 different plant species, some reaching two metres tall, nestled into a beautiful living moss. People will be able to use the various seating options within the garden to rest and enjoy the space. The lower level wards will look out onto the garden, with the layout and large foliage providing privacy. Patients staying on upper levels will have a great view of the suspended sculptural lighting, whilst looking down onto the beautiful garden below. The garden will also feature a staff-only-space to provide hospital care teams a sanctuary away from clinical areas during their breaks.

Shore resident Robyn Redford is a passionate advocate for the Healing Garden, having experienced first-hand the need for such a space when her husband Lindsay Crocker was cared for at North Shore Hospital’s renal ward for the last three weeks of his life with pancreatic cancer.

“Lindsay spent his last 23 days in the confines of ward 2, which was in stark contrast to the home he left with the large garden he loved. The wonderful renal specialists who cared for Lindsay strongly recommended we take him outside in a wheelchair to get some fresh air and a touch of nature. However, with cold and windy conditions and no nature close by, this was a challenge,” says Robyn.

“Imagine if I was able to wheel Lindsay into the Healing Garden; safe, warm, dry and surrounded by nature. Without doubt, as a nature lover, who spent his life enjoying the outdoors, Lindsay’s last days would have been enriched by such an experience."

Public support is crucial to help make this incredible green space come to life. By donating you will enhance the wellbeing of everyone who steps foot in the new hospital building and leave a lasting legacy which positively changes hospital experiences for generations to come.

Every dollar donated, big or small, will make a difference and help raise the remaining $1 million dollars needed. Visit giveabitofgreen.co.nz

We’re incredibly grateful for the generous support of Rotary clubs across the North Shore who have committed to being a founding Healing Garden partner – thanks Rotary!