THERAPY GARDEN
A Green Oasis - designing a garden for patients, staff and visitors
Client
James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Timeframe
8 weeks
Size/Area
N/A
Project Completed
Winter 2023
Going above and beyond for staff and patient welfare
The therapy garden project at James Paget University Hospitals is accessed off the shared day room area in the new ‘Concept Ward’ – a 28 bed ward build.
Health Spaces has worked in partnership with the hospital’s teams – including clinicians and estates – to create a unique, therapeutic outdoor space designed to benefit patients, visitors and staff. The outdoor space will feature colourful flower beds, a path for a relaxing stroll, seating areas, a swing for younger patients, and a sheltered area offering protection from rain and sunlight.
Designed to be a healing garden, the design process drew on existing and global research into the incorporation of outdoor spaces into healthcare facilities, which demonstrated the enhancement of the overall patient experience and contribution to holistic well-being.
“We know that the wellbeing of staff from an educational point of view as well as the staff room point of view is really important, so the ability to have the mixed space means everyone can benefit”.
Paul Morris, Chief Nurse
Gathering feedback from patients
To gather the views and experiences of patients, the James Paget University Hospital team worked with Healthwatch Norfolk on a joint engagement exercise to enter ward environments, speaking directly to patients, to gather their responses to set questions about their care and thoughts regarding the new Concept Ward.
Over 60 patients were engaged with across shared ward environments at the main hospital site and via single rooms at a local care facility used by the hospital. This was supported by an electronic survey, responded to by an additional 50 individuals. The feedback from this process was used to inform the delivery of the day room and the accompanying therapy garden area.
“We’ve created a space that everyone can use, and it’s all been done in consultation with staff and patients using their ideas, so they get a space that works for them both.”
Staff welfare
For staff there is a separate garden area directly behind their rest room, ensuring that they can step outside during their breaks, utilising the space for lunch, training and meetings. Crucially, this garden space is separated for staff, ensuring there is no contact with patients during dedicated downtime.Outdoor spaces have a positive impact on mental health and provide an opportunity to rest and relax in a peaceful environment. Fresh air, natural surroundings, and a change of scenery can promote a sense of calmness, helping staff to unwind.
Exposure to nature has also been shown to improve attention and concentration, reduce mental fatigue, and increase creativity.
Improved physical health
Access to outdoor spaces encourages patients to engage in physical activity and exercise.
The calming environment can also be particularly beneficial for those recovering from surgeries or undergoing treatment, as it aids in stress reduction and aids the body’s natural healing processes.
Studies have suggested that access to outdoor spaces can accelerate healing and recovery processes for patients, resulting in shorter hospital stays.
“The therapy garden space will be dementia friendly, with sensory elements, supportive rails for those who have difficulty with mobility, and a swing for our younger patients. Piped oxygen will also be available in the sheltered area, enabling patients who cannot leave their bed to also experience the multiple benefits of spending time in nature.”
Catering for all patients
As the Concept Ward is being used as a ‘decant ward’ whilst remedial works take place in the main hospital, the new ward was designed to cater to all patient types. All of the single in-patient rooms in the Concept Ward will look out to grass; with 50% enjoying a view of the new therapy garden.
The garden, accessible from the day room, will be dementia friendly, with sensory elements and supportive rails for those who have difficulty with mobility. There will be a swing for younger patients.
The garden has been landscaped and staff are involved in planning the planting to encourage wildlife such as insects and migrating birds. There are also different surfaces to walk on to help patients get used to walking outside again, as well as walking rails and access for wheelchairs.
Socialising and spending time with loved ones
Outdoor spaces provide a dedicated area for patients to spend time with loved ones and socialise with patients.
Individuals will have the opportunity to take a relaxing stroll, spend time seated or – if the patient is unable to leave their bed – there is a sheltered area. This covered area will also provide protection against strong sunlight and rain, ensuring the garden can be used all year round.
Providing spaces for socialising fosters a sense of community and support, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness often associated with healthcare environments. Social interactions in an outdoor setting can provide a positive distraction, improve interpersonal relationships, and enhance overall social well-being.
The outdoor furniture has now been successfully delivered, and the installation has commenced.
Autumn 2023: Project completed, ready for planting in the spring.
“We’ve created a space that everyone can use, and it’s all been done in consultation with staff and patients using their ideas, so they get a space that works for them both.” – Paul Morris, Chief Nurse.
Read our blog post The Green Prescription into further insights into the development of the garden.