Children staying on Acorn Ward at Whipps Cross Hospital have been given a new garden to enjoy, after a £25,000, charity-funded project.

Barts Charity, which supports patients and staff across Barts Health Trust Hospitals, launched the new space after significant redevelopment work to the previous, run-down garden area.

New additions to the garden include sensory equipment, selected planted areas and a bug hotel.

The garden was launched this week by two patients, who cut the ribbon on the new area. Families and staff were invited to explore the garden and have cakes baked by the children

Ghislaine Stephenson, associate director of nursing for children at Whipps Cross, who lead the project, said: “The new garden is a fantastic addition for both patients and hospital staff.

“It will be a great resource for the teachers in the schoolroom and for patients and their families it will mean a much more welcoming, friendly and fun area to explore as a break from the ward.

“Our thanks go to Barts Charity and their supporters for their help in funding this project – it will make such a big difference to our patients.”

The new garden also includes educational facilities such as a music-making area as well as light and sound arches to make the area more user-friendly for children with special educational needs.

All structures in the garden have been specially-designed to be safe and gentle for young children who are unsteady on their feet.