Rockingham General Hospital fundraises to create new therapy garden for aged care patients

Rockingham General Hospital (RGH) are fundraising to create a new therapy garden for their Aged Care Rehabilitation Unit (ACRU).

They will be raffling off a diamond necklace, valued at $4500, to create a garden that will holistically support patients in ACRU by connecting them with nature while promoting mobility, cultural inclusivity, and sensory engagement.

The unit aims to maximise a patient's functional abilities through rehabilitation, enabling them to return home early with support.

The necklace was donated to the project by RGH ACRU Clinical Nurse Sheryl Juliano who previously turned her jewellery making hobby into a business after her parents died.

"I am choosing to honour my elderly parents by donating this necklace to help make the garden a reality," Ms Juliano said.

She believes that the garden will make a huge difference in the way she provides person-centred care to her patients.

"I believe that this beautiful garden would help our elderly patients, especially those with dementia, stimulate their senses and ease aggression and violence on our ward."

RGH Acting Executive Director Clive Mulroy said the project was a great example of staff and the community supporting the hospital to provide an enhanced service.

"As a government service, our funding is directed to the most critical needs, such as direct patient care, medical and technology advances." Mr Mulroy said.

"It's great to have our staff and community working on projects that to complement our clinical care to provide that little bit extra for patients."

To buy a raffle ticket, click here.