A hospital's new garden has been given a welcome financial boost.

A group of Muslim colleagues from Macclesfield District General Hospital have donated £500 towards new garden furniture for Ward 9, for use by patients who are elderly, frail or who have dementia. 

This is the second donation from the Muslim members of staff at the hospital, following on from a collection of toys given to the children's ward in March as part of Eid. 

Jabeen Razzaq-Sheikh, Principal Pharmacist Surgery and Theatres, said: "In the Islamic faith older people are often considered a source of spiritual blessing and wisdom.

"Love, care and respect for the elderly is seen as a source of spiritual reward, so for us as Muslims helping the sick and serving them is a true honour. 

"We hope the garden makeover will provide a tranquil place for patients and their families.  

"There are many benefits in patients being able to access peaceful, safe, calm outdoor spaces such as the garden on Ward 9, and we hope the garden will help boost wellbeing for patients on the ward." 

Ward 9 has undergone a refurbishment to create a more dementia-friendly environment, to enhance patient wellbeing, reduce distress and anxiety potentially caused by a stay in hospital and promote independence.

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Donations such as this are vital in continuing to develop the ward and the patient experience. 

Lisa Nixon, activities co-ordinator, said: "Thank you for the kind and generous donation of £500 from our Muslim colleagues. Currently Ward 9 garden is in the design stage.  

"Once the project has been completed, we can provide patients, families and staff with a safe comfortable and sensory space in which to enjoy spending time.  

"It's incredibly important that patients have a calm place to reflect and recharge away from a busy ward environment.  

"We are very excited to buy new garden furniture with the money raised by our NHS Muslim colleagues.""