New garden play area opens at Basildon Hospital to support our young patients

Patients staying on the children’s ward at Basildon Hospital now have access to a brilliant, brand-new outdoor play garden, thanks to generous funding from Beaverbrooks Lakeside, Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust and David Burton-Sampson (Mayor of Basildon Borough during the period of 2019 – 2021).

The bright, fun and welcoming space can be safely and securely accessed directly from the ward’s playroom and offers young patients and their families the chance to enjoy fresh air, physical activity, and time away from the clinical environment.

Nichola Murphy, Play Assistant from Basildon’s Play Specialist Team, said: “We are so grateful to the Lakeside team at Beaverbrooks and to David Burton-Sampson. Thanks to their dedicated fundraising, we’ve been able to make significant improvements to our garden space. Children and their families now have a safe, welcoming area to enjoy time away from the ward. The garden is already being used by patients, who are loving the chance to play, relax, and spend time outdoors.”

The project has transformed the area with new child-safe flooring and drainage, outdoor toys, sensory equipment, and an all-weather sail, creating a safe and interactive environment for children of all ages.

Clair Grayston, Senior Charity Manager for Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity said: “The support of our local community is what makes projects like this possible. As a charity, we’re always focused on ensuring every donation makes the biggest impact—and this new garden space is a perfect example of that. We’re already seeing our young patients and their families enjoying the area, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the generosity that brought it to life.”

Designed to support children’s physical and emotional wellbeing, the garden helps reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Access to an outdoor space such as this is thought to promote better sleep and healing through exposure to daylight, movement, and natural surroundings. Importantly, it offers families a chance to experience something close to normality, supporting a sense of routine and social connection during their hospital stay.