HEART patients can enjoy bird’s eye views of the city more often thanks to the refurbishment of a roof garden.
The garden at Leeds General Infirmary’s Yorkshire Heart Centre has been officially reopened after a facelift.
The charity Take Heart, which funded the garden more than 10 years ago, has installed new flooring, while Leeds Teaching Hospitals has paid for glass screens.
Take Heart chairman Colin Pullan said: “The roof garden is a lovely facility and really delights patients who are receiving treatment at the Yorkshire Heart Centre.”
He added: “It provides quiet space, access to fresh air, distraction from the busy ward environment and the chance to meet and talk with friends and family.
“It has always been popular but with the new flooring and screens it has been transformed and we are hoping it will be able to be open on more days of the year for everyone to enjoy.”
Patients, families and staff all use the south-facing garden, on a terrace at the LGI’s Jubilee Wing, to take in stunning views across the city.
Specially-planted drought-resistant coastal plants, such as cliff-dwelling sea pinks, are able to cope with the extreme weather the garden sometimes experiences.
The safer non-slip flooring should mean it can open more quickly after rain, while the barriers have made it more secure and provide shelter from blustery winds.
Maggie Boyle, chief executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals, added: “The roof garden is just one of the fantastic extra amenities Take Heart provides for our heart patients, and we are so grateful for their ongoing support and enthusiasm, which makes a huge difference.”
Take Heart, which started in 1989, has raised nearly £3 million to help the Yorkshire Heart Centre at Leeds General Infirmary and units at St James’s. Projects funded include new equipment and improved facilities.
katie.baldwin@ypn.co.uk
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