A NEW garden balcony is set to be installed at Warrington Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).

The ICU provides care for some of the hospital’s most critical unwell patients.

Many of these patients are unable to access any outdoor space during their stay.

But now, patients will be able to spend time outside and get some fresh air in a safe and private space thanks to the balcony.

Designed as an extension to the unit, it will transform current unused space into a calm sanctuary where patients can spend time outside and get some much-needed fresh air in a safe and private space.

Currently if a patient is mobile but still in need of ICU treatment, they have to take a 10-minute journey from the unit to use external public garden areas in the hospital. For patients who are non-mobile, including those at end of life, there is very little provision for access to outside space.

The new garden will be funded through Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity fundraising and donations, which has included a £140,000 donation from Warrington Hospital’s League of Friends.

Daniel Moore, chief operating officer and deputy chief executive of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals, said: “The garden balcony will be a welcome addition to our Intensive Care Unit and I know it will enhance the experience and comfort for patients and their families on the unit. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has fundraised and donated to this life-changing area.

“The garden balcony will now create a permanent legacy which will support some of our most critically ill patients and we cannot thank Warrington Hospital’s League of Friends enough for their heartfelt and generous donation.”

Chris Chambers, Warrington Hospital’s League of Friends, said: “We are so happy to be able to fund this important project. Our main aim is fundraising so that we can supply equipment and other items which can be used to benefit the patients stay in hospital.

“Hopefully once completed many patients will benefit for many years to come. This project has been made possible because of the generosity of people who donate to the league, so we would like to thank them all for their continued support.”

Work will see an existing window within the ICU be converted into a door wide enough to fit a bed through, so that bedbound patients can also access the outdoor space while remaining close to staff on the unit. A second entrance will be created directly from the family room, to provide easy access for families and mobile patients to the garden balcony.

Ellis Clarke, ICU matron, said: “The garden balcony on ICU will be life-changing for patients on the unit. This special area will mean that we can offer patients and their families the opportunity to take time away from the busy unit and the constant noise.

“It has been a long-held dream for staff on the unit to create this special space for our patients and we can’t thank WHH Charity and League of Friends enough for their incredibly generous donation that will bring our dream to life.”

The project will also include renovation work to the existing family room, to create a bespoke and calm environment to support families during those difficult times.

Construction work for the balcony is due to commence later this year, with a scheduled opening in 2025.