The Wimmera Health Care Group, in collaboration with the WHCG Foundation Trustees, officially opened the new Adult Rehabilitation Garden at the Horsham campus.Mr Chris Scott, Chief Executive of Wimmera Health Care Group said the garden will be a great asset for the hospital and of enormous benefit to patients undergoing rehabilitation therapy. Dr Don Johns OAM and Chairman of the WHCG Foundation Trustees, unveiled the commemorative plaque.The plaque has been erected on the site of original Horsham Hospital which was constructed in 1874 with funds raised from within the community. Major rebuilding of the original hospital and alterations took place in the 1920s to accommodate the growing population, and ongoing renovations have been undertaken throughout subsequent decades. By 1979 the original Hospital portico was the only section remaining, and it became the Chapel until 2013 when it too, was demolished. The Adult Rehabilitation Garden marks another chapter in the history of health care on this site.
Chief Occupational Therapist, Kristen Coats said planning, designing and fundraising for this garden commenced with the construction of the Arapiles Building. The garden is designed for use by community members who access allied health services and programs as outpatients. Residents of our aged care facilities are also encouraged to utilise the garden. Ms Coats said, “The garden with its different surfaces creates a home-like environment which assists individuals to achieve their goals. The garden also allows for group activities, bringing people together as they travel on their rehabilitation journey. In addition the area also aims to provide a location for relaxation and reflection away from the hospital setting. The rehabilitation phase is often a time of great adjustment, and this space is essential in assisting with this process”.
“One of the key elements of a successful rehabilitation program is to assist individuals to set and work towards goals which are meaningful and significant to their own lives. It is anticipated that this space will be used by large numbers of clients making it a great community resource and will also allow our skilled team of health professionals to provide best practice clinical care”.