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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REH site map by Andy Archer

Your Place For Greenspace: Royal Edinburgh Hospital

As part of a move to create a more inviting atmosphere for patients, staff and visitors at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital we’ve teamed up with a local artist, Andy Archer, to create a series of hand-drawn illustrative artworks celebrating the site.
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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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September 21, 2023

Royal Edinburgh Hospital Sets a Green Standard for Sco…

The Royal Edinburgh Hospital continues its legacy of environmental excellence by becoming the first hospital in Scotland to receive the […]

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Public Consultation at Astley Ainslie Hospital

August 22, 2023

Views sought on Astley Ainslie Greenspace Management P…

We are seeking your views on the development of our greenspace management plan for the grounds of the Astley Ainslie […]

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FreeAgent volunteers stood in the FACE garden

August 10, 2023

Volunteers Restore Garden for Cancer Patients at the W…

Working with volunteers from FreeAgent and our partners, The Conservation Volunteers, we have restored the Fight Against Cancer Edinburgh (FACE) […]

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Cyrenians at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital

January 12, 2023

New Funding Award Eases The Journey To Recovery For Pa…

NHS Lothian Charity: Green Health is delighted to have awarded Cyrenians 3 years of funding to provide vital support 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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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 Social Prescribing workshop

September 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023 / Livingston, Ladywell and Howden Park

Autumn Wild Ways to Wellbeing Events

Join us for our free autumn events. Everyone is welcome. We are offering free gentle nature and wellbeing sessions are […]

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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