Green Health

Our natural health service

Contact with nature can have a positive effect on physical and mental health. Hospital courtyards and gardens create therapeutic spaces for patients and breathing spaces for staff. This is why Green Health has been highlighted as a long term strategic priority for NHS Lothian Charity. Through our Green Health programme, we work in partnership with NHS Lothian to enhance the NHS estate and community greenspaces, and connect more patients and staff to therapeutic activities within them.

Project Highlights

People stood in the Access Place garden. Around the garden are planters with flowers and benches.

Access Place

A revitalization effort at Access Place has turned a neglected area into a greenspace and garden for both staff and service users.
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Bird on a branch

NHS Lothian Biodiversity Action Plan

This plan will set a strong example for other healthcare institutions, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility and the wellbeing of both patients and the planet.
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Wildlife at the Western

Wildlife at the Western

Our Wildlife at the Western project highlights the different kinds of greenspaces that are available for patients, staff and visitors to explore on the doorstep of the hospital.
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Havens: Stories and Portraits from NHS Lothian

Join our amazing NHS Lothian staff on their journey to discover their hidden havens – those peaceful pockets within the busy healthcare environment where they find moments of quiet to recharge. From an indoor basement laundry to an outdoor rooftop terrace, the stories and portraits capture the essence of these havens and the impact they have on wellbeing.

Linda Lupton in her haven: the interesting and sometimes surprising places that NHS Lothian staff use as havens in their busy work lives.
a tree in autumn with golden leaves

October 3, 2024

Blog: Embracing Autumn

It’s hard to motivate people to come and join you in the outdoors when a gale is blowing and the rain is hammering down. Read on to find out how Paul is embracing autumn.

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speckled wood butterfly sitting on a leaf

September 25, 2024

Blog: Nature Responds to Positive Changes at the Weste…

RSPB Scotland Conservation Officer, Scott Shanks, shares some observations of an exciting new arrival in the grounds of the Western […]

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NHS Lothian staff taking forward a project thanks to Climate Challenge Grant funding

September 12, 2024

Supporting Sustainable Healthcare: NHS Lothian Staff T…

Over £135,000 has been awarded by NHS Lothian Charity through their Climate Challenge Grants programme to empower staff to implement sustainable practices across NHS Lothian.

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Nature rehabilitation rangers, Aisling Murphy and Lou Evans

August 12, 2024

New Nature Rehabilitation Rangers Join NHS Lothian Cha…

NHS Lothian Charity is excited to welcome new Nature Rehabilitation Rangers to its Green Health Team.

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Recent case studies

Green Social Prescribing workshop

Nature Heals

Nature heals. It’s a simple statement, a simple message, but sometimes the simple things are the most powerful. I’m a […]

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RIE Panda Courtyard bunting

Grateful for greenery

At just 23-years-old, Ria O’Hanlan found herself in hospital fighting for her life. The occupational therapy student went from experiencing […]

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Nurturing our natural health service

In 2019, I joined NHS Lothian as part of NHS Lothian Charity. The Charity’s mission is to enhance the lives […]

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Green Social Prescribing workshop

Pathways to green prescribing in Midlothian

For public health nurse, Tracy McLeod, going green is all about helping people to live well and have a good […]

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Scroll through our upcoming events

Alexander McCall Smith at 2022's Spring Fling

August 1, 2024 – September 29, 2024 / Royal Edinburgh Hospital

Summer Sessions is a celebration of nature, art and community

Celebrating the great outdoor spaces of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Summer Sessions offers an exciting programme of workshops and events for […]

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Belhaven Community Garden

June 28, 2024 – December 6, 2024 / St John’s Hospital Livingston – Ladywell Neighbourhood House

Noticing Nature Group

Explore Ladywell, Howden, and the surrounding area with our Noticing Nature Group. Join us for a walk through the greenspaces […]

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4 people walking along a path holding tea mugs

January 25, 2024 – December 6, 2024 / St John’s Hospital Livingston – Ladywell Neighbourhood House

Gentle Wellbeing in Nature Walk

Join us for a nature walk around the grounds of St John’s Hospital. This inclusive outdoor session is created to […]

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Two sets of hands looking at plants

January 25, 2024 – December 6, 2024 / St John’s Hospital Livingston Howden Walled Garden

Community Garden Session

Join our Community Garden sessions, spend time in the beautiful surroundings of Howden Walled Garden and help us to keep […]

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Paul Barclay running a session for our Wild Ways Well project

January 24, 2024 – September 25, 2024 / St John’s Hospital Livingston

Wild Ways Well for NHS Staff

In partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), we are offering weekly sessions to support staff at St John’s Hospital in […]

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Connect to our network to learn and share

If you feel passionately about the benefits of nature and their potential in addressing health inequalities, join our Green Health Network. All you need are a few good ideas, a little time to spare and a willingness to be involved with promoting and supporting green health activities across the Lothians.

Get in touch

Get in touch if you would like to find out more or discuss how we can work together to benefit NHS Lothian patients and staff.

Ian Mackenzie, Green Health Programme Manager