“A lifeline and a sanctuary” is how a Co Down vet describes the new garden complex at Belfast’s Musgrave Park Hospital.
A farm accident and a shattered vertebrae led to life-changing injuries for Ina Doherty. Following five difficult weeks in the Royal Victoria Hospital, her outlook in life changed with a transfer to the Spinal Cord Injuries Unit (SCIU) at Musgrave Park Hospital, and in particular her daily visits to their newly opened Horatio’s Garden.
“Without the garden it would be just awful staying confined to a four-bed bay. While the staff and nurses are great, it’s amazing to be able to get into a private space and be able to get a breather and clear your head. The greenery and the space for me has been an absolute lifesaver,” says the 48-year-old.
Originally from Germany, Ina moved to live and work in Northern Ireland in 2001. Initially planning to stay here for two years, she never left. At first she lived in Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, before crossing paths with her now husband John Doherty, an arable and beef farmer in 2015. The couple live on their family farm, near Moira, with their six-year-old son Johnny.
Without the garden here I would have gone insane. You can have personal time with your family, or on your own, rather than being stuck worrying in a hospital room.
— Ina Doherty
Her accident happened on Easter Sunday when she was ‘hit’ by her own cow, which had calved a week previously.
“I went into a pen to bring out another calf who had got in and got myself into a position where I couldn’t get away,” recalls Ina.
“I don’t know why I went in there that day. I wouldn’t normally. That’s just what cows do when they are protecting their young and farmers know that.
“I’m just unlucky she did severe damage. I could hear the bone crunch. I broke two ribs and one vertebrae. I think she hit me twice. The feeling drained from me and I knew instantly something was very wrong.”
Ina was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital where she was operated on for a spinal cord injury.
Paralysed from the waist down and six weeks into her rehabilitation at Musgrave Park, Ina says Horatio’s Garden has helped her massively in the process of adjusting to a new life.
“I did a lap of the garden first thing this morning. It feels normal to be outside and breathe clean, fresh air and to be able to escape the clinical setting,” she says.
“Without the garden here I would have gone insane. You can have personal time with your family, or on your own, rather than being stuck worrying in a hospital room.”
Ina has daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy, learning to use and adapt to life in a wheelchair.
Of course she worries about the future, but she is also hopeful for a new beginning.
“I’m generally pretty upbeat and have adjusted to being paralysed, though it comes with more complications such as no bowel or bladder control, and you have to watch your skin condition.
“I’m hoping to get released from here in July or mid August and go back home where adjustments are going to have to be made.
“I obviously won’t be a clinical vet anymore, but I hope to continue in some sort of advisory capacity.”
Horatio’s Garden is named after Horatio Chapple, whose life was cut short at the age of 17 when he was attacked by a polar bear on an expedition to Svalbard in Norway. Horatio had spent time volunteering in a spinal injury centre in Salisbury.
His research, which showed the benefits of nature and green spaces to mental and physical rehabilitation, formed the principle objectives Horatio’s Garden charity, which has now opened seven gardens.
Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland was designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Andy Sturgeon in collaboration with patients, their loved ones, NHS staff, and representatives from the charity.
The 1800 square metre garden is fully accessible throughout for people in wheelchairs and beds and is also open to those staying in the Amputee Rehabilitation Unit.
Dr Cathy Jack, Belfast Trust chief executive, said the gardens will bring “immense physical and psychological benefits to our patients, giving them the opportunity to leave the clinical ward environment and enjoy the outdoors during their time in rehabilitation”.
Creating more than just a beautiful garden, it is creating a sanctuary that brings to the forefront the undeniable benefits of the healing power of green spaces
— Matthew Lee
“Our dedicated staff will also benefit from the environment and are looking forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the amazing care they provide to our patients,” she said.
The Belfast garden includes a large greenhouse, a water feature for tranquillity and a warm garden room with timber cladding. Garden pods provide shelter, privacy and socialising spaces. It also boasts the charity’s first ever boccia court.
Unlike normal restricted hospital visiting hours, Horatio’s Garden is always open to visitors.
“When my son comes to visit we love spending hours outdoors playing cards, doing homework and just being normal. We even played boccai, which he loved,” says Ina.
There are a number of activities and classes held in the gardens and Ina has enjoyed silk painting and pottery. “Days in hospital can be very long and this is such a great distraction,” she adds.
Matthew Lee describes his role as head gardener of Horatio’s Garden Northern Ireland as his “dream job”.
“It is gardening with the most extraordinary purpose. Creating more than just a beautiful garden, it is creating a sanctuary that brings to the forefront the undeniable benefits of the healing power of green spaces,” enthuses Matthew, who before re-training in horticulture worked for 18 years in the NHS, including six as a nursing auxiliary.
As well as tending to the varied plants and shrubs, Matthew spends time doing horticulture therapy with the patients. This can vary from sowing seeds and taking cuttings to getting patients with limited arm movements to smell and chat about the plants.
“We have a lot of sensory plants, herbs, spices and scented flowers. We also try to get patients involved in wildlife, with bird feeders, bat boxes and a wildlife camera set up in the garden.”
In the greenhouse Matthew has helped patients plant tomatoes, peppers and courgettes, as well as pumpkins, sweetcorn and beetroot.
“Some of our patients have been keen gardeners before they come into hospital and they often think that once they’ve had their spinal injury, that’s it, they can’t garden anymore. We show them it’s still possible.”
Matthew constantly witnesses the therapeutic benefits Horatio’s Garden has upon his patients.
“As soon as they come through those doors for the first time into the garden, you can just see their muscles relax,” he smiles.
The garden is designed to be enjoyed all year round, from the choice of plants to having indoor spaces.
“In the tea building where we hold regular art classes and live music there is a garden roof and underfloor heating. It’s all fully accessible, with an instant boiling water tap which is hands free so the patients can practice independence safely.
“One of the biggest benefits of the garden is the ability of friends and family to visit for long visits. It’s lovely to see them have lunch or takeaway together.
“I’m hoping to get a barbecue and a pizza oven donated and have cinema nights, live music events and even festivals,” adds Matthew.
