St John’s Spring Round Up

by Ian Mackenzie, Green Health Programme Manager

Exciting transformations are underway at St John’s Hospital as we collaborate closely with the Estates team to enhance our outdoor environments for both patient care and staff wellbeing.

At the heart of these efforts is a project to rejuvenate the garden at the Mother and Baby Unit (MBU). As one of only two specialist regional inpatient psychiatric facilities in Scotland, the MBU provides vital, intensive mental health care for mothers and their infants (up to one year old). Our goal is to reshape this garden into a deeply relaxing, practical, and welcoming haven, ensuring families can connect with nature and stay together comfortably during their recovery journey.

In tandem, we are focusing on those who care for our community by developing dedicated staff wellbeing spaces for the Theatres team. This area will feature restful seating, vibrant planting, and raised beds, offering a much-needed outdoor retreat for staff to recharge.

Rooted in a commitment to environmental sustainability, these projects will maximise on-site resources. By incorporating compost beds, utilising the greenhouse, and retaining and reusing existing materials, we are ensuring these gardens are as ecologically conscious as they are therapeutic. There is an absolute wealth of opportunity ahead as these vital green spaces take root!