Green light for new therapeutic gardens at Prince Philip Hospital

Above: staff from the Bryngolau and Mynydd Mawr teams

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, is delighted to announce that funding has been confirmed for new therapeutic gardens at Prince Philip Hospital.

The new gardens will greatly enhance the experiences of patients and staff on Mynydd Mawr ward, an elderly care rehabilitation unit, and Bryngolau ward, an older adult mental health unit, and will take advantage of the close adjacency of the two areas.

The vibrant outdoor spaces will promote wellbeing, stimulate the senses, encourage gentle activity, and provide a safe and calming environment for reflection and social interaction.

Thanks to the generosity of the local community and supporters across the locality, the funds have been secured to bring this vision to life.

This was supported by the Prince Philip Hospital Gardens Appeal which launched in winter 2023 to raise funds to transform the outdoor spaces at Mynydd Mawr and Bryngolau wards into safe, healing environments for older patients, their families, and hospital staff.

Lauren Hughes, Ward Manager at Bryngolau ward, said: “On behalf of everyone at Bryngolau, we would like to extend our deepest thanks for your support for our gardens. Your kindness will facilitate the creation of a peaceful, therapeutic outdoor space where our patients and staff can enjoy nature, find comfort, and experience moments of joy and connection.” 

Gareth Phillips, Senior Charge Nurse at Mynydd Mawr ward, said: “On behalf of all patients and staff at Mynydd Mawr rehabilitation unit, we would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude for the support received for the new gardens. Through your generosity and kindness, we are now able to make our vision of an outdoor rehabilitation space a reality for our patients and their families.” 

Nigel Owens, who championed the appeal, added: “It’s fantastic to see the community come together to make this happen. Outdoor spaces can make a huge difference to mental and physical health, and I’m proud to have supported such a meaningful project.”

Work on the gardens will begin in February 2026, with completion expected by late spring.