Therapy Garden at James Paget University Hospital

Health Spaces worked in partnership with James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, including clinical and estates teams, to understand how the garden could support the wider Concept Ward. The aim was not simply to create a nice outdoor area, but to design a space that could genuinely contribute to patient experience, staff wellbeing and day-to-day ward life.

Patient and staff feedback played an important role. The hospital team worked with Healthwatch Norfolk to speak directly with patients across ward environments, gathering views on their care and the new Concept Ward. More than 60 patients were engaged in person, with additional responses gathered through an electronic survey.

This helped shape the thinking behind both the day room and the garden. It gave the team a clearer understanding of how access to outdoor space could support comfort, independence, social connection and moments of calm within a hospital setting.

The design was also informed by research into healing gardens and the role of outdoor space in healthcare, helping ensure the garden was considered as part of a more holistic care environment.

Once the purpose of the garden was clear, the design focused on creating a space that could work for different people in different ways. For patients, the garden includes colourful planting, seating areas, a walking path, supportive rails, wheelchair access and different surfaces to help people regain confidence moving outdoors. Sensory elements were included to support people living with dementia, while a swing was added for younger patients.

The design also considered patients who may not be able to move far from the ward. A sheltered area provides protection from rain and strong sunlight, allowing the garden to be used throughout the year. Piped oxygen was also incorporated so that patients who are less mobile, or unable to leave their bed easily, can still benefit from time outside.

For staff, a separate garden area was created directly behind the rest room. This gives teams a place to pause, eat lunch, hold informal meetings or spend time outside during breaks, while keeping their downtime separate from patient areas.

The planting strategy was shaped with staff input and designed to encourage wildlife, including insects and migrating birds. This helped create a garden that feels alive, seasonal and connected to nature.

The therapy garden was delivered over an eight-week programme and completed in winter 2023, ready for planting in the spring.

The garden was developed as part of the wider Concept Ward environment, with access from the shared day room and a separate staff area connected to the rest room. This ensured the outdoor space was not treated as an add-on, but as part of how the ward would support patients, staff and visitors in everyday use.

Furniture, landscaping, walking routes, sheltered areas and accessible features were brought together to create a practical, inclusive and restorative space. The result is a garden that can be used in different ways throughout the day, whether for movement, quiet reflection, socialising, staff respite or time with loved ones.