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.
Mary, Nature and Wellbeing Officer smiling at the camera stood in front of trees wearing a denim jacket and yellow bag

July 17, 2024

Nature Connections at the Western General: Meet, Mary,…

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the next phase of our Nature Connections Project, in partnership with the […]

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Outside the reception area of the SMART Centre. There are two benches on a patioed area with a planters and an area of newly planted flowers and greenery

July 17, 2024

Enhancing the SMART Centre Reception Area with a New O…

The green areas surround the SMART Centre have been improved to create a welcoming and calming environment for patients, visitors […]

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Bird on a branch

July 8, 2024

Your Voice Matters – NHS Lothian Charity Support…

In a significant development for protecting wildlife across the NHS estate, the NHS Lothian Charity is supporting NHS Lothian to create a Biodiversity Action Plan.

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Plants in between paths with a combination of trees and plants

June 6, 2024

Transforming Woodland House Courtyard

Unlocking the potential of outdoor spaces is important for fostering wellbeing in healthcare environments. What began as an application to […]

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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

Green Health and Tonic Arts Joint Networking Event

August 21, 2024 / Online and in-person at Seminar Room 3, Medical Education Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh.

Green Health Network: Speed Talks and Networking Lunch

Join the Green Health network on Wednesday, August 21st, 2024 for an informative and interactive session, both in-person and online! […]

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June 27, 2024 / Stills: Centre for Photography, 23 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP

Preview – Havens: Stories and Portraits from NHS Lothian

Join us at Stills for an exclusive look at Havens: Stories and Portraits from NHS Lothian.

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

June 28, 2024 – July 13, 2024 / Stills: Centre for Photography, 23 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP

Havens: Stories and Portraits from NHS Lothian

Come and see the stories of the interesting and sometimes surprising places that staff use as havens in their busy work lives. Maybe, you’ll find some inspiration for your own haven?

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NHS Lothian staff sitting on a bench laughing at Belhaven Hospital Community Garden

May 14, 2024 / The Broch, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside Place, Edinburgh EH10 5HF

Working together to improve health and wellbeing in NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian Charity: Green Health and Tonic Arts Network Event 2024 *This event is now closed.* We were delighted to […]

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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