Enhancing the SMART Centre Reception Area with a New Outdoor Space

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

Recognising the potential of the green spaces, NHS Staff applied for a Climate Challenge Grant to transform an area supporting health and wellbeing for everyone at the centre.

The SMART centre serves more than 25,000 outpatients annually, including patients with diverse needs, and children with severe complex conditions who often experience anxiety and stress about their appointments. An outdoor space provides a calming environment, away from the hospital setting, helping them to feel more at ease, especially after long journeys.

Previously, the greenery around the reception was overgrown and blocked light from entering the reception area. With the help of Garden Designer Kristyna Barko from Reconnect Garden Design, a beautiful, low-maintenance gravel culture garden was created. This thoughtful design ensures that while the plants thrive, the weeds are kept at bay.

The new plants encourage a diverse range of native species to attract pollinators, birds and other wildlife, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area. Sensory plants and benches have also been included, creating a soothing and engaging environment.

The SMART Centre Patient Focus Public Involvement Group, which includes patient representatives, has been actively involved, ensuring the project meets the needs of patients and staff at the centre.

George, Patient Representative on SMART Patient Focus Public Involvement Group

I was at the Royal Infirmary recently and the contrast between the entrance and what you have done at SMART is stark.  Planting at the SMART entrance enhances the patients’ feeling of wellbeing and I think you have got it right.  It has also been shown that planting like this contributes to staff wellbeing and that can only be good for patient care.”

John, Patient Representative on SMART Patient Focus Public Involvement Group

As a member of the SMART Centre Patient Focus Public Involvement Group, I was especially gratified the interface we had with Kristyna Barko (Garden Designer) and her willingness to share and explain the reasons behind her vision and ideas, this gave the group a greater involvement and ownership of the project from start to finish. The new external garden area has created a more welcoming experience for patients and their companions visiting the SMART Centre for their opportunity to sit outside in this area whilst waiting has created a positive feel-good factor for both patients and staff.”

Wheelchair & Seating Therapists – SMART Centre

The newly planted area outside SMART reception is a lovely addition to the centre. It makes the entrance to SMART appear welcoming and attractive. For patients and staff alike, it is a really nice space to be able to spend time either before or between appointments or when a more relaxed space is preferred.”

We are proud to support the staff at the Astley Ainslie Hospital in their innovative ideas for improving sites and enhancing care for patients.  Their dedication and vision have created a space that supports the health and wellbeing of everyone at the SMART Centre.