Courtyard revival provides communal joy

Patients at the Ipswich Hospital are enjoying better rehabilitation outcomes thanks to the support of the Australian Industry Trade College Ipswich (AITCI) and Bunnings Bundamba.

As part of Ipswich Hospital Foundation’s ongoing partnership with the AITCI, students and staff commenced work on reinvigorating the Rehabilitation and Stroke Ward courtyard this month.

The courtyard is a communal space for the Ward staff, patients and their families to enjoy, and AITCI Industry Consultant Tom Lewis said the students were eager to help their community.

“The AITC is a deliberately different school where our young people learn beyond the standard classroom and apply their skills in a practical context,” Mr Lewis said.

“We value being part of the Ipswich community and loved being able to give back by stepping in and helping at the Ipswich Hospital.

“It is important for young people to learn to think beyond themselves, it is truly humbling to know that they have made a difference and that people will enjoy the fruits of their labour.”

Rehab and Stroke Nurse Unit Manager Jude Brown began the day by explaining to the students what their ward does, the types of patients they see, and how important an outdoor space is.

Karen Bethune, the Wards Recreation Officer also put on a morning tea and barbecue lunch for the students and staff as they busily went about reviving the courtyard throughout the morning.

Bunnings Bundamba Activities Organiser Robert Head said they were excited to help by donating plants and gardening supplies to the project, including a wheelchair-accessible raised garden bed for patients to use as part of their rehabilitation.

“It was great to be able to provide some support to the Ipswich Hospital Foundation to help spruce up the garden area for patients and staff to enjoy,” Mr Head said.

“We look forward to seeing a full harvest of flourishing veggies the next time we’re able to visit the ward.”

Volunteer Coordinator at the Ipswich Hospital Foundation, Coco Davidson, said the courtyard needed a good clean.

“The revival of the courtyard has allowed the patients in this ward to get back to their usual rehabilitation activities by going outdoors and doing some gardening,” Ms Davidson said.

“The patients can now enjoy reading in the courtyard and having their family meetings outside.”

Ms Davidson said both the Ward staff and patients are very happy with their new space and are excited to see it continue to improve after new furniture is put in place.

The Ipswich Hospital plans to revamp other areas in the coming months too, including the premature baby memorial, the front entrances and eventually across other Western Health sites.  

 

Republished with permission of Local Ipswich News