The Paediatric Rehabilitation Garden, which opened in November 2010, is a significant addition to the Wimmera Base Hospital in Horsham.
The garden has been created to provide a safe and secure environment for children to participate in outdoor rehabilitation activities. The design includes a level ground, rubber matting, shade cloth, new windows and a secondary entry/exit point.
A colourful mural not only brightens the area, but is used in therapy. The Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy departments have purchased several pieces of equipment that can be moved in and out as required including a tunnel, a playhouse, a bridge and sporting equipment.
Around 500 children will use this special space every year.
“Until now, paediatric rehabilitation has been limited to indoor play/functional activities, otherwise therapy would need to be moved to a nearby park with equipment that has not been chosen specifically for children with disabilities. This outdoor area will mean that the therapist can assess all aspects of the child’s level of function”