Patients who have complex health issues that can keep them in the hospital for long stretches of time are the focus of a unique new project at Georgian Bay General Hospital in Midland.  

With a nurse close by, Bill Rawson is getting ready to start his day. Rawson still enjoys being active and going outdoors, something that's become a luxury.

“I've been here quite a while and I've struggled along with others trying to get in and out of the patio area and with talking to each other, we all realized how nice it was to be able to have an area to go to and would like it to be nicer.”

The hospital is hoping for help to pay for a garden to provide a better setting for patients, instead of being stuck indoors.

That help will come if the hospital wins a contest put on by the Aviva Community Fund. Aviva is an insurance company that gives out money to worthy community projects across the country. The project with the most votes will get up to $100,000.

Crystal Handy-Smith is a recreational therapist at the hospital and came up with idea to enter.

“I've witnessed how big of a difference you could have. A patient who won't participate in any activities, they're really not involved in their rehab a whole lot and then they get to go outside and instantly their mood changes. Their morale changes, it really impacts their well-being.”

The hospital is hoping to improve the existing patio – creating gardens for patients to work in, space for fitness activities and a place for visiting children to play.

“The space isn't 100 per cent. We just need to make it better and this is never going to end. I'm here today, 20 years from now it could be one of my children or somebody else here. This is always going to be in need for this region,” says Rawson.

Voting started Tuesday at noon and anyone looking to cast a ballot can visit the Aviva Community Fund website. Voting ends on Oct. 23.