Fundraising drive for £20,000 maternity ward garden at Northampton General Hospital

Thousands of pounds is needed to deliver a much-needed outdoors space next to the maternity ward at Northampton's hospital to allow new parents the chance to get some respite in the fresh air.
By Carly Roberts
Published 26th Apr 2019, 11:23 BST
Updated 26th Apr 2019, 11:54 BST
Dig deep and raise money for the maternity ward at Northampton General Hospital.Dig deep and raise money for the maternity ward at Northampton General Hospital.
Dig deep and raise money for the maternity ward at Northampton General Hospital.

Having access to a garden from the maternity ward could really help provide new parents with the opportunity for a positive escape from the noisy and warm Robert Watson maternity ward.

Being able to take a breath of fresh air in a pleasant garden could help reduce stress, anxiety or just give parents that much needed space.

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There is an outside space next to Robert Watson ward but it is not accessible from the ward, and has over time, become run down.

The fundraiser is being organised by Northamptonshire Health Charity (NHC) who funds above and beyond what the NHS can afford. This month the charity turned 3.The fundraiser is being organised by Northamptonshire Health Charity (NHC) who funds above and beyond what the NHS can afford. This month the charity turned 3.
The fundraiser is being organised by Northamptonshire Health Charity (NHC) who funds above and beyond what the NHS can afford. This month the charity turned 3.

Janet Hoffman, junior sister on Robert Watson Maternity ward, said: “We’ve done a lot of work around the birthing process and we use the feedback from parents to improve the environment.

"Hospitals are not often associated with relaxation, and yet we want a calm wonderful space for our mums in which to feel comfortable.

"Having an outdoor space would be both beneficial to our mums and their families. The garden we have is not ideal so to be able to use the space already there and turn it into something wonderful would be great”.

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The Northamptonshire Health Charity team are launching an appeal to raise the money needed to create access to and improve this outdoor space.

Alison McCulloch, fundraising co-ordinator said: “We think helping the Robert Watson team gain access to a peaceful attractive garden from the ward for their mums and their families to enjoy is a very special thing.

"If you think you can make a donation to enable this to happen, we would be very grateful.

"We will also be approaching local businesses to see if they can help and leading by example from Robert Watson maternity ward are Midwife Sonia Jabke and Ward Clark Laura Mc Dermott who are challenging themselves to abseil the express lift tower at the Northamptonshire Health charity abseil day on June 22.

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"The duo admit to being nervous about the challenge but the money they raise will kick start this appeal. If you would like to sponsor the maternity duo please get in touch.”

Please help us to improve the birthing experience at Northampton General Hospital by making a donation to turn this outdoor space into something beautiful. Contact the charity team to make a donation or why not try some fundraising? t: 01604 626927, e: [email protected], w: www.nhcfgreenheart.co.uk. Thank you!

Related topics:Northamptonshire Health Charity