Hospital green spaces have positive benefits for staff wellbeing

A staff garden area at Broomfield Hospital has been named as garden of the month by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare.

The hospital took part in a year-long research project about how green spaces at work can help encourage workplace wellbeing.

The report found that staff who said they regularly spent time in green spaces during the working day reported significantly higher levels of wellbeing.

Other green wellbeing areas around Broomfield Hospital include woodlands, a fruit orchard, vegetable beds and a wellbeing terrace with tables, parasols, sculptures and games showing seasonal wildlife.

Nicole Crouch, health and wellbeing lead at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Staff have told us the availability of green spaces made them feel more relaxed and re-energised. Space can be limited within the hospital setting, even more so with Covid restrictions, so we encourage staff to make the most of the outdoor spaces available.”

The study was carried out in collaboration with the University of Essex and with support from the Health Foundation, an independent charity committed to bringing about better health and healthcare for people in the UK.