How a hospital garden provides a vital sanctuary for staff and patients alike
In short: Discover how the Royal Horticultural Society and University Hospital Lewisham collaborated to build a restorative green space. Designed for those working under intense pressure and patients needing an escape from clinical wards, this project offers a blueprint for integrating nature into healthcare environments.
Initiated in 2022 by anaesthetist registrar Maria Leong, the Wellbeing Garden was created to support NHS staff following the Covid-19 pandemic. The space serves as a dedicated area for reflection and respite, while also providing a therapeutic environment for patients, including those with dementia, chronic pain, or paediatric needs.
The garden, designed by Adam Frost, features accessible paths wide enough for hospital beds, allowing even critically ill patients to experience fresh air and sunlight. Since the initial opening in June 2022, the project has expanded to include a growing area and officially launched its full site on 23 March 2023.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Planning the University Hospital Lewisham's Wellbeing Garden | The RHS
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