A royal visit to Colchester Hospital On Wednesday 02 July, HRH, The Princess of Wales visited our Wellbeing Garden and Cancer Wellbeing Centre at Colchester Hospital. Princess Catherine's visit was as Patron of the RHS and coincided with the donation of 50 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants to the garden. A total of 500 ‘Catherine’s Rose’ plants will be donated to other wellbeing and community gardens across the UK this summer. The Princess joined staff, volunteers and those who use these vital services to understand how gardens and wellbeing services in healthcare settings play a crucial role in promoting good health outcomes and supporting recovery time. ESNEFT Chief Executive Nick Hulme said: ‘It was a privilege and joy to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to ESNEFT and Colchester Hospital today. ‘The Wellbeing Garden is so much more that a garden. We know getting into green spaces and away from the hustle and bustle is really important and has a positive impact on people’s health and sense of wellbeing. ‘Our Cancer Wellbeing Centre team and the services offered there play a huge role in supporting our patients, and their families, at what is for many of them, the most difficult time of their lives. 'The project to design, build and plant the Wellbeing Garden had our patients, visitors and staff at its heart. To see it being used and enjoyed by so many people over the past year has been wonderful. Sharing the impact of the work we do there for people before, during and after cancer treatment with The Princess was very special for everyone involved.' Stephen Tipple, 44, is still receiving cancer treatment after his diagnosis in 2010 and told The Princess that having access to the Cancer Wellbeing Centre and its services had changed everything for him. ‘The combination of everything, it’s all brilliant. It’s such a happy space. I’ve spent so much time in hospital and wards. To come here is completely different. It’s amazing.’ Spending time in nature to rest and recharge and support mental and physical wellbeing is something that especially resonates with Her Royal Highness as she recovers from cancer herself. The Princess also met with award-winning garden designer Adam Frost, to hear how he worked with NHS staff through the design process to ensure the needs of everyone who would eventually use it would be met. About our Wellbeing Garden The Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital aims to provide patients, visitors and staff with a calming and welcoming space away from the busy clinical environment. It’s also a vital space for the community, offering several activities for those working or visiting the hospital to get involved in. Located at the front of the main hospital building, and close to the Cancer Wellbeing Centre, sustainability has been at the heart of the build and the garden has been designed to be resilient to climate change. A series of paths weave through trees, wildflowers and drought-tolerant planting, reflecting the dry conditions of the East of England region. The garden includes both sociable and more private seating areas to accommodate those looking for a place to pause and unwind. The project was part of a national initiative launched by the RHS and the Greener Communities Fund which is a partnership between NHS Charities Together and Hubbub, funded by the Starbucks 5p cup charge. About our Cancer Wellbeing Centre The Cancer Wellbeing Centre at Colchester Hospital was opened in 2019 and funded entirely by community donations to the Cancer Wellbeing Appeal run by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity. It provides vital support and information to those who are affected by cancer. Whether you are a patient, family member or carer, the team is there to help. The centre offers a non-clinical environment and provides services from counselling and support groups to physical activities and dietary advice. The wellbeing centre team works in partnership with local health and social care providers, local and national community and voluntary organisations, and with local charities and support groups to introduce people to wellbeing activities and resources that can help to meet their individual needs. The team can offer information about emotional and practical support, coping with side effects, financial advice, getting back to work and making healthy lifestyle choices. They can also introduce people to one of their wellbeing programmes or activities designed to help improve the sense of wellbeing that are held either within the centre or in the local area. This support is all available before, during and after cancer treatment. The wellbeing garden is funded entirely from charitable donations with thanks to generous donations to staff wellbeing to Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity and the generosity of the RHS - Royal Horticultural Society, The Oak Foundation and NHS Charities Together Greener Communities Fund and their funding partners including Starbucks and Hubbub. Manage Cookie Preferences