Therapeutic Garden to Boost Child Well-Being at Candelaria Hospital
A new initiative, “A Place to Heal,” is set to transform a neglected outdoor space at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria into a therapeutic garden for children undergoing treatment. The project, launched by the Fundación Diario de Avisos in partnership with the hospital, aims to enhance the emotional well-being of young patients during their hospital stay.
This new garden will be the first of its kind in a public hospital in the Canary Islands and one of only a few across Spain. The project responds to the growing recognition of the healing power of nature and play, particularly for children facing challenging health situations. While Spain is increasing its focus on therapeutic gardening and humanising healthcare environments, it still lags behind other regions where such initiatives are more established.
The idea originated from Dr. Jorge Gómez Sirvent of the hospital’s paediatrics department, who proposed redeveloping the unused outdoor area to support young patients. The Fundación Diario de Avisos is now driving the project forward, fostering public-private partnerships to expand its vision beyond its original scope.
“A Place to Heal” will create a natural refuge designed with a therapeutic purpose, providing children a space to engage in play, creativity, and connection with nature, which can alleviate anxiety and promote emotional support. Collaborating with the Fundación Punset Terraviva, led by writer and emotional intelligence advocate Elsa Punset, the project incorporates principles of therapeutic gardening tailored to meet the needs of hospitalised children.
Research over recent decades highlights the positive impacts of nature on stress, mood, and focus, particularly vital for children in unfamiliar and often restrictive hospital settings. The therapeutic garden will include a fairy garden, a vegetable patch, a vertical garden, reading areas, creative activity spaces, and an artistic mural inspired by the Canary Islands’ nature, all designed to engage children in diverse ways.
Beyond benefiting young patients, the garden will also enhance the well-being of their families and the medical staff supporting them. The project not only aims to create a beautiful green space but also to promote the importance of therapeutic gardening and foster discussions on humanising healthcare environments in society.
The Fundación Diario de Avisos will document the transformation process through informative content and media coverage from its affiliated outlets, ensuring transparency and community engagement throughout the project’s progression. Hospital staff will receive specialised training to effectively use the garden according to its therapeutic principles.
“A Place to Heal” is moving towards reality, embodying a simple yet profound idea: to ensure that hospitals also offer spaces for play, creativity, discovery, and calm amidst the challenges of medical care.
