New garden spaces taking shape at East Lothian Community Hospital – Spring Round Up
By Iain Cartwright, Green Health Projects Manager
There’s exciting progress underway at East Lothian Community Hospital, where two newly designed garden spaces are transforming previously underused areas into welcoming, accessible places for patients, visitors and staff.
Designed with care
Commissioned by NHS Lothian Charity, landscape designers Hinterland Studios worked closely with staff to shape gardens that meet the specific needs of different patients.
The result is two thoughtfully designed spaces:
- Ward 2 (Oak Tree Ward) – created with patients with dementia and mental health conditions in mind
- Ward 1 (Blythe Garden) – designed as a peaceful, supportive space for palliative care
Ward 2’s garden is now largely complete, with just a few finishing touches underway, while planting in Ward 1 will take place over the coming weeks.
Making spaces accessible
Since work began in January, significant progress has been made to ensure the gardens are easy to access and comfortable to use.
New features include:
- Smooth, accessible pathways suitable for wheelchairs and beds
- Generous seating areas for patients, families and friends
- Sheltered structures offering privacy and protection from the elements
- Raised beds and planters designed for ease of use
- Fencing to create safe, calm environments
Together, these elements are helping create outdoor spaces where people can relax, connect and spend time away from clinical surroundings.
Bringing the gardens to life
The planting design will play a big part in shaping how these spaces feel and function.
Hundreds of plants and trees will provide colour, texture and interest throughout the seasons, while also creating habitats to support birds, insects and pollinators.
Importantly, some planting has been positioned so it can be enjoyed from indoors, meaning even patients who can’t get outside can still benefit from views of nature.
Looking ahead
The next stage of the project will focus on bringing these spaces to life through activity and care.
We are currently recruiting a Horticultural Practitioner, who will help maintain the gardens alongside volunteers and support patients and staff to get involved. Activities such as planting, watering and propagation will offer opportunities to engage, learn and spend time outdoors.
A space for everyone
These gardens are more than just a physical transformation, they’re about creating places that support wellbeing, connection and moments of calm.
As the planting begins and the spaces settle in over the coming months, they will continue to grow into something truly special for the whole hospital community.
With thanks to the Blythe Family Trust whose funding has made these garden projects possible.