RAF Brize Norton News

Tactical Medical Wing Open Brand-New Wellbeing Garden

On Monday 27 July 2020, Air Officer Medical and Head of the Royal Air Force Medical Service, Air Commodore Dave McLoughlin, officially opened a new Wellbeing Garden at Tactical Medical Wing (TMW), RAF Brize Norton.

Garden Before - Pictured prior to the renovation work beginning, the disused courtyard located in the centre of Tactical Medical Wing
Garden Before - Pictured prior to the renovation work beginning, the disused courtyard located in the centre of Tactical Medical Wing

Following Flight Lieutenant Hannah Dawson’s vision, in December 19, to create a peaceful, green outside space in the heart of the TMW utilising the unused central courtyard, a successful application to the RAF Brize Norton Local Improvement Grant (LIG) Fund was made and the TMW Wellbeing Garden project began.

Work in Progress – ‘All hands to the deck’ to make the garden relaxing and welcoming with bespoke wooden benches and a water feature
Work in Progress – ‘All hands to the deck’ to make the garden relaxing and welcoming with bespoke wooden benches and a water feature

The project’s five key goals were to: invest in staff wellbeing, create a positive effect on personnel’s mental health, create a peaceful outdoor space in which personnel can work, engage and commune, have a positive impact on morale for both those making use of and maintaining the Wellbeing Garden, and build a green outdoor space for functions or events which all personnel across RAF Brize Norton could benefit from.

A ribbon cutting ceremony lead by Air Officer Medical and Head of the RAF Medical Service, Air Commodore Dave McLoughlin marked the official opening of the garden
A ribbon cutting ceremony lead by Air Officer Medical and Head of the RAF Medical Service, Air Commodore Dave McLoughlin marked the official opening of the garden

Flight Lieutenant Hannah Dawson, Officer Commanding Medical Emergency Response Training Flight said:

“The significant effort and contribution from all those involved in making this garden a reality from what was empty space to the oasis it is today, is a real achievement. I hope the design and build will now, and for many years to come benefit TMW staff, trainees and visitors.”

Flight Lieutenant Hannah Dawson
Officer Commanding Medical Emergency
Response Training Flight

Pictured, Air Officer Medical and Head of the RAF Medical Service, Air Commodore Dave McLoughlin and Officer Commanding Tactical Medical Wing, Wing Commander Jo Bland in the garden with the commemorate plaque
Pictured, Air Officer Medical and Head of the RAF Medical Service, Air Commodore Dave McLoughlin and Officer Commanding Tactical Medical Wing, Wing Commander Jo Bland in the garden with the commemorate plaque

The Wellbeing Garden features an auditory and sensory planting design and includes waterfalls, bespoke integrated seating and planting areas, and even a bee and insect hotel! Combining these elements in an easily accessible location will, it is hoped, temporarily distract from the day to day pressures of delivering high quality medical capability on behalf of the RAF and UK Defence.

The picturesque wellbeing garden which provides a calming and relaxing area for all personnel to enjoy
The picturesque wellbeing garden which provides a calming and relaxing area for all personnel to enjoy

Wing Commander Joanna Bland, Officer Commanding Tactical Medical Wing said:

“This initiative, a first for TMW, is a clear demonstration of the on-going commitment by the RAF Medical Services and RAF Brize Norton to enhance and promote positive mental health and wellbeing amongst all our personnel. Mental health resilience is a priority to all serving personnel; many of those from TMW have undertaken a significant number of operational tours and to have a space to take a few minutes to reflect or relax is a fantastic step towards continuing to providing support to all personnel on the Wing. I’m delighted that Brize Norton Station were able to fund the transformation of this fantastic space for us.”

Wing Commander Joanna Bland
Officer Commanding
Tactical Medical Wing

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