Hospital opens new patio offering therapeutic space

Journal Staff Bluewater Health has opened a newly renovated patio for patients in the mental health unit.

Journal Staff

Bluewater Health has opened a newly renovated patio for patients in the mental health unit.

A 600-square-foot enclosed patio provides year-round access with plants, seating, tinted windows, and a special noise machine to cancel out street sounds, the hospital said.

“This new patio is a much needed addition to our Inpatient Mental Health unit,” said Dr. Emmanuel Anyaegbuna, medical director of mental health.

“Having access to the outdoors deinstitutionalizes and normalizes the care experience for our patients. They can see the sun rise, and get fresh air.”

The $369,000 project includes new roofing and interior flooring, tinted windows, HVAC, and a removable ramp for accessibility to the patio, the hospital said.

It was funding in part by $150,000 from the Dan Edwards “Do It For Sarnia” campaign.

“I was in hospital for almost a year after my accident,” said Edwards. “Recovery taught me so much about the mental aspects of healing, and how much nature improves overall health.”