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
Access Place
NHS Lothian Biodiversity Action Plan
Wildlife at the Western
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.
Latest News
Improving Accessibility at the Royal Edinburgh Hospita…
The Royal Edinburgh Hospital’s community garden has recently undergone significant upgrades to improve accessibility for all patients. Nestled within the […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
Recent case studies
Nature Heals
Nature heals. It’s a simple statement, a simple message, but sometimes the simple things are the most powerful. I’m a […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Scroll through our upcoming events
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 […]
Noticing Nature Group
Explore Ladywell, Howden, and the surrounding area with our Noticing Nature Group. Join us for a walk through the greenspaces […]
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 […]
Community Garden Session
Spend time in the beautiful surroundings of Howden Walled Garden and help us to keep it looking at its best […]
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 […]
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.
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Meet Aisling, the newest member of our team!👋
Aisling will be working 3 days a week at the Astley Ainslie Hospital. Originally training as a nurse & working in social care, she has been a freelance gardener since 2016 & a wellness nature guide more recently.
#LothianGreenHealth
Join our next Green Health Network event on Wednesday, 21st Aug 24, online & in-person. Share ideas & get the latest on how the network is supporting Green Health activities & projects in the coming years.
Click the link to sign up! https://bit.ly/3YbG3ep
#LothianGreenHealth
An exciting delivery at the Chalmers Centre today! 🌿🌺All the plants are here, ready for planting next week. This project will create a welcoming entrance, offering patients and staff access to nature and supporting mental health and wellbeing. 🌼
#LothianGreenHealth
That’s a wrap! A big thank you to everyone who joined us today at our #LothianGreenHealth and #TonicArts Network Event 2024. Your passion and dedication to improving wellbeing through arts and greenspace is inspiring. Thank you for taking part in today.
#NHSArtsGreenHealth
Moving on to the second session of workshops at our event! From storytelling through film to unlocking personal and professional potential, there’s something for everyone.
#NHSArtsGreenHealth #TonicArts #LothianGreenHealth
