A garden offering children a calm and engaging outdoor space has been reopened at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn (The QEH).
The Roxburgh Garden had previously become unusable, with uneven surfaces, damaged flooring and limited space for supervision. It has now been renovated and reimagined, with new soft play tarmac, a levelled and resurfaced grassed area, secure privacy fencing and seating for parents and carers.
The garden is located within the Roxburgh Children’s Day Centre, which provides outpatient care for more than 4,000 children every year. Many children can find a visit to hospital overwhelming, and with this in mind the space has been carefully designed to reduce anxiety and support play.
The transformation was made possible thanks to a £40,000 donation from the hospital’s League of Friends.
‘Somewhere calm and welcoming’
Dawn Collins, Interim Chief Nurse at The QEH, said: “This garden is about recognising that children are children first. They need space to move, to play, to explore – and sometimes just to step outside and take a breath. Having somewhere calm and welcoming like this can make a huge difference to how a child feels, and to the experience of parents and carers too.
“Spaces like this don’t happen without people who really understand what matters to patients and families.”
League of Friends Chair, Penny Hipkin, said: “It is a great honour to be part of the hospital and be involved in such important and amazing projects.”
The Roxburgh legacy
The Roxburgh Centre is named in honour of Dr Ronnie Roxburgh, a paediatric consultant who devoted his career to improving children’s health services across West Norfolk. Dr Roxburgh’s son, Alistair Roxburgh, attended the reopening event and unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the return of the garden.
Mandy Calvert, Play Specialist at the Roxburgh Centre, said: “For many children, coming to hospital can be frightening or overwhelming. Being able to step outside, play or take a moment away from busy waiting areas can make a huge difference.
“This garden will help reduce anxiety and support children’s wellbeing during their visits.”