On Friday 20 June, Oldham ICU marked a major milestone with the official opening of its Courtyard Garden, a project that has been years in the making, driven by a shared vision to improve patient and staff wellbeing. The celebration brought together people who played a role in bringing the garden to life, including ICU and Pathology staff, NorthCare Charity, fundraisers, former and current patients, and representatives from funding bodies.
The event was also attended by Sheena McDonnell, the new Chair of the Northern Care Alliance, and the Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham, who praised the initiative and its impact on the local community.
The opening ceremony featured heartfelt speeches from Redmond Tully, Clinical Director of Intensive Care, Helen Torry, Allied Health Professional, ICU, and Jess Pollard, NorthCare Charity Fundraising Officer, each reflecting on the journey and the importance of creating a space that offers comfort, connection, and healing. Former patient Neil Lloyd, who has made a remarkable recovery since his time in ICU, was honoured to officially open the garden under a newly installed canopy that will provide shelter for patients during their visits.
The Courtyard Garden is designed to be a peaceful, multi-sensory retreat from the clinical environment. It offers patients, especially those recovering from long ICU stays or COVID-19, a chance to reconnect with nature, experience fresh air, and regain a sense of time and place. The garden’s therapeutic benefits are well-documented, with research showing that time spent in nature can reduce stress, improve sleep, ease pain, and lift mood. These effects are particularly valuable in critical care, where patients are at high risk of developing delirium due to prolonged ventilation, sedation, and isolation from loved ones.
Joel Paul, Consultant Virologist and Clinical Director of Infection Sciences, shared his appreciation for the transformation: “Please extend my sincere thanks to all involved for converting the view from my window to be such a pleasant and relaxing experience in between my busy clinical work.”
Beyond its impact on patients, the garden also offers meaningful benefits to families and staff. It provides a space for quiet reflection, personal conversations, and even special moments, such as visits from loved ones and pets. These experiences help build stronger connections between staff and patients, allowing for more personalised care and emotional support.
For staff, the garden is a welcome escape from the high-pressure environment of the ICU. Outdoor transfers are typically low-risk and offer a chance to spend quality time with patients in a more relaxed setting. The garden also serves as a space for staff to take breaks, recharge, and reflect, building on the success of the “wobble rooms” introduced during the first wave of the pandemic.
Looking ahead, the team hopes to further enhance the garden with
improved accessibility, upgraded landscaping, and the addition of power and oxygen supplies to allow patients to stay outside longer. There are also plans to form a volunteer group made up of former patients, families, and staff to help maintain the space and shape its future. Other hospitals have used similar gardens to celebrate birthdays, host weddings, and create lasting memories—and Oldham ICU hopes to do the same.
The Courtyard Garden stands as a testament to what can be achieved when compassion, collaboration, and community come together. It’s more than just a garden—it’s a symbol of hope, healing, and the power of nature to transform lives.