Magical makeover for Horton outdoor play area

Staff, families and young patients have praised the transformation of the Horton General Children's Ward outdoor play area, describing the newly renovated garden as 'a magical makeover', 'a happy space for children to thrive', and 'a huge improvement'.

The space was officially opened with a ribbon cutting on 10 September 2025. It has been fully funded by Horton General Hospital Charity, which is part of Oxford Hospitals Charity, thanks to a generous donation from local company, Glazpart Ltd.

Tamsin Rawlings from the charity team, said: "Time outdoors is so important for children's mental and physical health and being able to access green space during a hospital stay will have a huge positive impact on the young patients. We are thrilled at this transformation and incredibly grateful to Glazpart Ltd for their very special support."

Now bright and spacious, with beautiful planting, activities and shaded seating areas, the play area is also fully accessible, enabling children who use wheelchairs or who can't leave their hospital beds to enjoy the space.

Horton Children's Ward Sister, Pippa Parnell, told us: "It's beautiful, I absolutely love it! There is so much to look at, with the lovely planting, a brilliant new climbing frame and a basketball area.

"I also love the bright and bouncy flooring, which is very level so all patients can enjoy the space. We are thrilled with it."

Time outdoors is so important for children's mental and physical health and being able to access green space during a hospital stay will have a positive impact on the young patients.

Ken Hanley, Glazpart Managing Director, said: "We're really pleased to support our local Horton Children's Ward and thrilled to see what a difference this has made. It truly is a transformation, the children are going to really enjoy this special space."

Divisional Lead Nurse, Florian Stoermer, praised the new space, saying. "What a wonderful environment for our young patients to enjoy. We are so grateful to our charity and its thoughtful donors who help to bring so many inspirational improvements to our hospitals."

The project was carried out by landscaping company, Hadingham Kirk.