Remarks by President McAleese At the official opening of a Garden of Healing
Remarks by President McAleese At the official opening of a Garden of Healing At Waterford Regional Hospital
A dhaoine uaisle, tá mé thar a bheith sásta bheith anseo libh inniu. Tá mé buíoch dibh as an chuireadh a thug sibh dom.
Thank you very much indeed for your warm welcome. I am delighted to be here with you today in Waterford for the opening of your Garden of Healing. This occasion gives me the opportunity to witness at first hand the innovation and imagination of the Waterford Healing Arts Trust which is responsible for this and many other projects.
All of us who have ever been in hospital, whether as a patient or visiting, know that it can be stressful. The objective of the Trust is to reduce that stress through the use of art. I think that everyone would agree that they have achieved that objective even on entering the front door of the hospital where the sculpture by Remco de Fouw has created a very impressive entrance with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I know that the many other initiatives undertaken by the Trust have contributed to a wonderful community through encouraging staff to participate in creative activity, through the establishment of the Artist-in-Studio Scheme, and through the purchase of reproductions of works by well known artists for the wards and units. The building is a far more lively, friendly and stimulating place due to the presence of the artworks and exhibitions.
The newest initiative, the Garden of Healing, is a wonderful idea and yet so simple. How many of us, after a difficult day, head for our own gardens to get some peace? The design is inspired by our Celtic origins and the beautiful stone carving was created by sculptor, Saturio Alonso and his assistants. I hope this garden will be a quiet, private place where people can gain some peace and solace, a place to absorb and start to come to terms with bad news, a place to celebrate news of new life, a much needed place for busy staff to get five minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind.
None of this would be possible without the superb work of the Committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Abdul Bulbulia, the Arts Co-Ordinator, Aifric Gray and the support staff who strive to improve the quality of life of patients, relatives and staff. I pay tribute also to all the FÁS members who were a key resource for this project and the hospital management who contributed essential workspace, services and some materials. I do not want to let this occasion pass without acknowledging the huge contribution of all the voluntary workers who supplied and transported materials including stones and the most important ingredients, the plants.
I have to say that I am very encouraged by the spirit of co-operation which you have displayed in bringing the diverse elements of this project to fruition. As this garden grows and flourishes may you all continue to work together in developing this hospital for many years to come.
Go meadaí Dia bhur stor. Go raibh maith agaibh go leir.