Western Trust plants 'Trees of Hope' at Altnagelvin Hospital for staff mental health

To mark World Mental Health Day (Friday 10 October) the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) partnered with Ulster University and the charity, ‘Doctors in Distress’.  As part of an awareness initiative, trees were planted at both Altnagelvin Hospital and the South West Acute Hospital.

The symbolic gesture aims to highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing, particularly among the healthcare workforce.

Dr Brendan Lavery, Medical Director at the Western Trust said: “The planting of a tree is a powerful, tangible symbol which can create a sense of calm, hope and inspiration to many people.

"It is very important that our healthcare staff, across the professions, have the opportunity to enjoy a little bit of nature in their working environment, particularly during difficult and stressful periods.

"We very much welcome the addition of these trees and we encourage our staff to look after their own and their colleagues health and wellbeing by taking some time out to go out for a walk during their breaks to help de-stress and spend time outside if possible over the coming weeks.”

Dr Lavery added: “Thank you to all of the suppliers and other stakeholders who have made a kind donation towards the tree planting ceremony, we are very grateful for their generosity.”

Dr Brendan Lavery, Western Trust Medical Director pictured along with Altnagelvin Hospital Chaplains Fr Michael Canny and Reverend Stephen Hibbert; Dr Athinyaa Thiraviaraj; Stephen McLaughlin; Roz McMullan (ambassador for Drs in Distress); Catherine McDaid - Ulster University; Carole McKeeman, Bereavement Services, Western Trust at a special Tree of Hope ceremony to mark World Mental Health Day (10 October 2025) at Altnagelvin Hospital,.

Doctors in Distress works to improve mental health support and welcomes the excellent work of Western Trust and Ulster University to place emphasis on supporting individuals to know they can have help, engage with nature and be supported in times of need.

This year, the Doctors in Distress campaign has the theme of ‘Hope Through Action’ and by planting a tree at both hospital sites this will be a visible symbol of the Western Trust’s dedication to supporting our colleagues mental health.

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Ulster University will be following up with their tree planting event on 5 November, a date chosen to align with Stress Awareness Day. The planting will be in Derry, home to the Ulster University School of Medicine, and will focus on the themes of care, kindness and compassion, in support of all students, staff and the communities they work with.”