SUSTAINABLE OFFSITE
GREENING THE NHS ESTATE IN SCOTLAND
project in Scotland to showcase how NHS estate can be designed, transformed and improved to support the creation of positive physical environments for health.
K Introduction
Research into the impact of green spaces on health is well documented and studies show that outdoor spaces can significantly assist in patient recovery. The Greening the NHS Estate programme is a national demonstration programme that aims to leverage this research to promote greenspace design as an essential and integrated requirement for retrofitting existing healthcare facilities and in the creation of new healthcare facilities. Through a number of demonstration
sites at NHS locations across Scotland, the programme is improving hospital grounds for health and wellbeing purposes and encouraging more people to make greater use of outdoor spaces and woodlands. NHS Health Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland are working together under the Green Exercise Partnership (GEP) to assess the value of greenspace and to influence the mainstreaming of green exercise into health policy and practice.
The programme has explored greening options with senior representatives from the estates and public health departments in most of the 14 Area Health Boards in Scotland and a key target is to develop demonstration projects at all of Scotland’s mainland Area Health Boards. The current demonstration sites have resulted in peaceful and attractive outdoor areas that have increased connectivity between the built and natural environment, increased use of outdoor space by staff, patients and visitors and use of greenspace for patient therapeutic activities.
Background In 2007, NHS Health Scotland, Scottish
Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland established the Green Exercise Partnership (GEP) to promote better
30 PSS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
evin Lafferty, National Policy Advisor for Access, Health & Recreation at Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) explains the impact of a unique
health and quality of life for people in Scotland through greater use of the outdoors for physical activity and contact with nature. A key focus of the group’s work is NHS greenspace and in 2010 ‘Greening the NHS Estate’ was established to create and develop green assets at a number of NHS Scotland sites. Around £2.5 million, including £1 million from the Scottish Government, has been invested in the programme. Currently, the inclusion of well-designed and maintained outdoor spaces and gardens at NHS sites is seen as a ‘nice to have’, not essential. However, if the aspiration is for a truly progressive healthcare system that promotes good health and focuses on prevention, it is necessary to consider the impact and benefits of promoting a greener NHS.
Greenspace for health
Historically, nature has been an important part of NHS estate design and management. NHS facilities were built on the outskirts of urban areas where there is lots of greenspace; hospitals were built with large windows, balconies and gardens; and beds were taken outside for patients to enjoy the extensive grounds and gardens. It is not a new concept and there is a lot of research and evidence to underpin the positive impact of daylight, fresh air, nature and the outdoors in general on patient recovery and health. Evidence shows that greenspace can prevent ill health and is a cost effective solution to providing positive physical and mental health outcomes.
Greenspace can be used in recovery programmes and studies of this nature have shown reduced heart rate and blood pressure, improved mood and self-esteem and increases in physical activity. Since 2010, the GEP has been working with the estates and public health departments at area health boards, community organisations and third sector agencies to explore the potential for improving NHS greenspace. This has taken a two-pronged approach involving retrofitting, which brings underused land at existing NHS sites into active use: and new facilities, which involves greenspace planning and design at the start of new NHS building projects.
Demonstration projects
Currently, there are six live demonstration projects at NHS Scotland sites across Scotland. These projects are at varying levels of development and are being evaluated on an ongoing basis to assess the impact that improved and attractive green spaces are having on the health and wellbeing of staff, patients, visitors and local communities. The projects have involved a range of works, based on collaboration with the estates and facilities and public health departments at area health boards in Scotland, as well as consultation with the wider staff, patients and local communities. As a result, the development of landscape plans are bespoke to each site and designed to meet the needs of those who use the NHS sites. Many of the projects
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