GARDENING is being extended at Rowley Regis Hospital after a year-long trial showed it helped patients on the road to recovery.
The Henderson rehabilitation unit has signed up for another year of horticultural therapy with the Leasowes Centre with help from community help group Ideal for All.
It was launched following research in America which showed people exposed to greenery outside recover quicker.
Jake Winup, occupational therapist, said: “The patients enjoy the group very much and we have had a lot of quality feedback.
Ideal for All horticultural therapist Tess Price said: “Gardening helps from a patient point of view as it is a physical, mental and social activity. It also helps with team work and communicating with others.”
The hospital is also offering a free referral service for Ideal for All to visit people to get their gardens growing at home.
Ideal for All has also been commissioned to improve the hospital’s garden to bring a more pleasant view for patients.
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