First Year BSc Horticultural Students from the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) and Staff are delighted to be taking part in the launch of the Court Yard Garden at the Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown today.
First Year BSc Horticultural Students from the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) carried out an Assessment, Design and Reconstruction of one of the Internal Courtyards in Connolly Hospital as part of their course work assessment under the guidance of Academic Staff from ITB and Mr. Karl Dalton, Environmental Manager, Connolly Hospital.
ITB First year Horticulture students worked for many weeks on the main internal courtyard of the hospital which had become very overgrown and unsightly but is now blooming thanks to their many weeks of hard work and fantastic designs which sees it transformed into a new garden. The plants and time were donated by ITB with the hospital paying for rest.
A unique learning opportunity for ITB students Ciarnad Ryan ITB Horticulture Lecturer said of the project “ITB students found this provided them with real work experience in a challenging healthcare context and has been invaluable for the confidence and collaborative skills. Projects like this help to bring classroom theory to life and reinforces academic learning whilst improving class spirit.”
“The students have put in a tremendous effort, working to a very high standard and now there is a beautiful garden in the heart of our local hospital. It will make a difference to thousands of patients, families and staff in difficult times. Hopefully this will be the first of many successful collaborations between Connolly Hospital and Horticulture ITB”, she continued.
According to Karl Dalton,” there is growing awareness in healthcare that an attractive and healthy environment is one of the many factors that contribute to patient wellbeing. Also, hospitals are increasingly seen as part of the community rather than isolated institutions. Linking these two aspects, the work carried out by the horticultural staff and students of ITB has greatly enhanced the central meeting point of the hospital and will be enjoyed by patients, visitors and staff for many years to come. We hope that the relationship that has developed between ITB and Connolly Hospital may grow into the future”.
ITB
ITB is located in Blanchardstown, a growing suburb of Dublin. The Institute directly serves the greater Blanchardstown area and the north and west of Dublin City and county. Like other Institutes of Technology, it also draws students from neighbouring counties, such as Meath, Kildare, Cavan and Louth as well as from further afield.
This September ITB welcomed 900 full time first year students bringing the total number of students studying at ITB to over 3,000.
ITB are committed to introducing their students to the latest technologies and providing a learning environment where the use of up-to-date and innovative techniques and equipment is the norm. To this end, lecture theatres and laboratories are state-of-the-art, and ITB aims to retain this leading edge as the Institute develops further.
Source: HortiTrends News room
