A NEW balcony garden has been officially opened at Corbett Outpatients Centre in Stourbridge to help provide a therapeutic rehabilitation space for patients.

Keen gardener Steve Saul, a former patient and volunteer with The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust which runs the outpatients centre in Vicarage Road, came up with the idea to transform an unused balcony during one of his appointments with occupational therapist Erika Keshelya.

He said: “We have had such a huge amount of support from staff and patients.

"People have been bringing in plants and offering help. It’s been wonderful."

Designed to provide stroke patients and people recovering from surgery or being treated for arthritis with a peaceful outdoor space, the new garden area features a greenhouse, rose arch and large plant troughs filled with plants and flowers such as strawberries, tomatoes, curly kale, clematis, petunias and coriander.

Erika Keshelya, who organised the balcony build project, thanked all those who donated and said: "We’ve all worked very hard to get to this stage and it is amazing because we know what a difference this balcony garden will make not only to our patients but also to their families and our staff."

Paula Clark, who officially opened the balcony garden at an event attended by patients, visitors and staff, was bowled over by the results and said: “This is such a fantastic and much-needed addition for all patients of Corbett Outpatients Centre. I am so pleased to see such a wonderful transformation."

The garden has been funded by The Dudley Group NHS Charity as well as donations from Wilkinsons and Highdown Nursery. Patients and staff also donated plants and crafts and raised funds by arranging cake sales and raffles.