Health Benefits of Hospital Gardens
Depending on client requirements, the design of NMS hospitals can be based around a hub and spoke concept with wards and ancillary buildings circling a main clinical hub. In amongst these buildings on larger sites, are ‘therapeutic’ landscaped areas with trees, shrubs, flowers and local medicinal plants. These form a core design element of the NMS hospital design. Why is this so important?
Studies have shown that exposure to nature has a beneficial effect on health. From lower blood pressure to improved mood, being in or viewing the natural environment as opposed to the human-built environment has positive effects on our well-being.
A stay in hospital can be stressful and upsetting. A pleasant therapeutic environment can alleviate some of these symptoms. Hospital gardens have been shown to improve patient well-being, contributing to the emotional, mental and physical health of patients, their families and staff. Patients’ hospital stays, medication intake, and negative feedback are reduced when access to nature is provided (Ulrich, 1984).
Research conducted by environmental psychologist Roger Ulrich in 1984 is considered a landmark study in the built environment and health outcomes. Ulrich, a Professor of Texas A&M University, led a clinical research project that studied patients who had had gall bladder surgery between 1972 and 1981 in Pennsylvania. The study significantly proved a room with a view of nature improves a patient’s post-operative recovery. His study showed a reduction in length of stay and pain medication in patients whose room had a view of nature compared to those with a brick wall view.
Hospital gardens not only help healing they also promote well-being in patients, reducing anxiety, sadness and negative mood. According to two leaders in this field, Clare Cooper Marcus and Marni Barnes, healing comes because the gardens promote:
Relief from symptoms
Stress reduction
Improvement in an overall sense of wellbeing and hopefulness
Regardless of age or culture, humans find nature restorative. In one study, researchers Marcus and Barnes found that more than two-thirds of people choose a natural setting to retreat to when stressed. In another study, 95% of those interviewed said their mood improved after spending time outside, changing from depressed, stressed, and anxious to calmer and more balanced.
Hospital grounds can also give patients the opportunity to exercise and a chance to socialise with other patients, further promoting well-being. Children benefit from being in nature too, studies have shown better cognitive and motor development by encouraging curiosity, physical activity and social interaction.