SUSTAINABLE OFFSITE
greenspace can help them deliver their priorities. The feedback shows that there is support for more NHS greenspace. However, many recognise that there are challenges in using and re-directing existing NHS estate maintenance budgets to focus on greenspace. In addition, there are concerns about the public perception of health boards spending NHS resources on ‘nice gardens’ rather than on medical equipment or more nurses. While this concern is understandable, active management of the green environment is a more sustainable approach than neglect, whilst investing in NHS Greenspace is a cost effective way of increasing opportunities for preventative, therapeutic and restorative benefits for staff and patients and strengthening the symbiotic relationship between health and the natural environment.
Other barriers tend to be cultural and
attitudinal. For example, a key pressure at most hospital and health centre sites is car parking and transport. Improving access infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and reducing the dominance of motorised transport and car parking creates better physical environments for people and encourages physical activity. The challenge is to make walking and cycling a priority over driving.
Future plans
have included the development of new path networks around hospital grounds or improvement to existing paths to encourage more walking and cycling; improved signage to encourage more people to use the outdoor spaces and planting of trees, wildflower meadows and vegetable and flower plots. At NHS Forth Valley Royal Hospital, the grounds have been transformed to improve staff and patient health and the local woodland - Larbert Woods - hosted the UK’s first outdoor, woodland-based recovery programme for cardiac patients in hospital grounds. Ongoing work at Gartnavel Royal and Gartnavel General Hospitals in Glasgow includes restoration of many original outdoor gardens and features and a return to the 19th century idea of linking healthcare to exercise, fresh air and nature. Most recently, a new path network has been opened at NHS Ayrshire & Arran University Hospital, providing attractive places for exercise, relaxation and recuperation.
Evaluation
Evaluation of individual demonstration sites has revealed signs that NHS greenspace is making a positive impact in a number of ways, including:
• •
• •
Increased connectivity between the built and natural environment Increased awareness of - and use of - greenspace by staff, patients and visitors Use of greenspace as part of patient therapy activities and recovery programmes
Increased use of NHS greenspace by other groups, such as local residents, community groups and on-site nurseries
•
Improved habitats for wildlife and biodiversity.
As part of its ongoing monitoring and evaluation process, the GEP conducted a series of telephone interviews with planning and policy, estates and facilities staff within NHS Scotland to better understand their priorities and how NHS
Despite a number of challenges, there is real potential for greenspace to be stipulated as an essential requirement for retrofitting and new build NHS projects. The GEP continues to develop demonstration sites at a range of different healthcare settings, including community health centres, and encouraging this work to become a mainstream priority. There are exciting opportunities to use the NHS estate far more effectively to promote better health outcomes for patients, staff, visitors and the wider community. Through a number of innovative and creative greenspace projects, Greening the NHS Estate is creating a model for the core integration of greenspace that can be used across NHS Scotland and beyond. Establishing good quality greenspace design is a great way for the NHS to improve staff and patient health and to deliver positive environments for health and wellbeing.
Kevin Lafferty, National Policy Advisor for Acccess, Health & Recreation
kevin.lafferty@
forestry.gsi.gov.uk
PSS MAGAZINE • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015
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