Gold Coast University Hospital spend $250k on calming garden for mothers battling mental health problems

A Gold Coast hospital has spent $250,000 on a garden designed to help mothers through mental health battles.

A CALMING garden to help mothers through mental health battles, is the latest addition to the Lavender Mother and Baby Unit at the Gold Coast University Hospital.

The sensory garden and enclosed courtyard opened last Friday and includes different colours, plants and a mix of indoor and outdoor areas to create a sense of calm for patients.

The Lavender Unit provides specialist care for mothers with mental health problems after a having a baby.

The facility’s new sensory garden and enclosed courtyard cost $250,000 to create.

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Dr Susan Roberts from the Lavender Mother and Baby unit in the garden. Picture Glenn Hampson

Psychiatrist and Lavender Unit’s clinical lead Dr Susan Roberts said there are multiple uses for the space.

“We wanted to fashion a space that was appealing to the senses,” she said.

“We do a lot of sensory modulation to help in their therapy.

“We have more room to do our clinical work.”

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Social worker Lyndall Healey, Dr Susan Roberts and Acting team leader Hollie Hurst from the Lavender Mother and Baby unit. Picture Glenn Hampson

Dr Roberts said the Lavender Unit prior to the sensory space was “very homely, but small” and there was a need for family visit areas.

The facility currently has only four beds for admitted patients and their babies under 12 months old.

With the addition of the sensory garden, Dr Roberts said family are now able to come and visit and enjoy the outdoor setting.

“It really has made some significant improvement.”