Duke Raleigh Hospital Gives Back to the Community (Draft)

Duke Raleigh Hospital Gives Back to the Community

By Heather McCuiston

How often do you hear about a local hospital funding a secret project to give back to its surrounding community? What if a surprise tribute awaited the community?

Just outside the double doors of the Duke Raleigh Hospital, a whole new world can be discovered, a project that has remained secret to the public until now, as its construction has come to a close. In an attempt to better satisfy patients and their families, this hospital has been setting aside private funds for the sake of building an outdoor garden laced with various pieces of art made of mediums from all over the outdoor spectrum. As patients and staff alike walk along the new stone pathways of the garden, they stroll through what some might refer to as a “photographer's Heaven” as different works of art such as sculptures created from greenery as well as unique fountains, vibrantly painted birdhouses, and a lush brook accompany them.

Through this effort, Duke Raleigh Hospital has been able to not only maintain the construction of this project without delay, but also to ensure patients with a brighter, more uplifting atmosphere by providing a place to go on walks and relax. The garden provides visitors and family with a place to go with loved ones under the hospital's care to explore and have a cup of coffee. This project took five years to complete and has proven to be worthwhile, as locals claim it's the "perfect getaway from the whole hospital atmosphere," and "gives you a place to go while you're waiting on people to be cared for or are undergoing an operation." Perhaps this garden is the perfect solution for easing the tensions acquired while in a hospital awaiting a loved one to feel better.

Cynthia Ann Shore, registered nurse and volunteer pediatric assistant at Duke Raleigh Hospital, was able to provide insight as to just what was going into the project behind the scenes. “It’s been going on for several months,” she says, “but no one really knew about it except for the staff and a few patients that were here during the time of construction.” This well-kept secret has proven to be more than worthwhile, as family and friends of patients can stroll along the pathway outside and feel more relaxed.

The garden consists of a short path that is surrounded by various pieces of art, their medium being nature itself. Ordinary bushes have been trimmed to resemble flowers, as well as various statues of children that represent past patients who have turned to the hospital for help. In the center of the garden is a gazebo which overlooks the entire path.

Not only are there tributes through artistic pieces, but there are also words of thanks in the path itself. If observed closely, the concrete stones from which the path is created reveal specific memorials to staff, volunteers, patients, families, etc. As one of the tiles reads, “Thank you to the nurses who provide compassionate care to our patients,” one can be reminded that the Duke Raleigh Hospital cares.

Having been proven as one of the largest private, non-commercial projects in the city of Raleigh, the tribute garden at Duke Raleigh Hospital has been proudly completed and will permanently serve its purpose of providing comfort to all who see it as well as set the hospital apart from other hospitals in surrounding cities.