Bee Healthy Project at Carmondean Health Centre, West Lothian

The Carmondean Health Centre has taken a proactive step towards promoting biodiversity and improving staff and patient wellbeing by creating bee-friendly plant borders and transforming a grassy area into a meadow.

This initiative, funded by our Climate Challenge Grants, has not only increased the local bee population but has also provided a much-needed outdoor space for staff and patients to relax and recharge. By installing picnic benches and an informative board, the practice has encouraged staff to spend more time outdoors and has inspired patients to explore nearby green spaces. This project is just the beginning of the practice’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

Rosie, one of the Practice Doctors at Carmondean Health Centre, and Practice Manager, Phyllis, with the expertise and help of an NHS Lothian Gardener, created bee friendly plant borders. Rosie explains:

Bees are essential pollinators for 70% of the crops we ingest but due to increasing urbanisation, loss of habitat, use of pesticides and climate change the numbers of bees are rapidly declining. Bees can generally only fly for 40 minutes before stopping to feed therefore planting additional pollen rich flowers in urbanised areas like ours can be the pit-stops needed to save many bees during flight seasons.” They also transformed a grassed area to meadow to further increase biodiversity and cut down on grass cutting. This summer has seen many of the plants bloom and staff have witnessed an increase in the number of bees they have seen in and around the plants and flowers.

“The medical practice is in a very built-up area with little access to green space for staff to spend their breaks and recharge from the demands of their day. By sourcing 2 picnic benches made from 100% recycled plastic we have seen an increased number of staff going outdoors for breaks, staff have told us having the benches has improved their wellbeing and increased their exposure to a natural environment in what is otherwise an indoor based work setting with minimal natural light.” Phyllis shared:“ It’s not only the staff who have benefitted from this newly created outdoor space, I have also seen a number of patients use the benches before or after appointments and even children sitting doing their homework after school!”

They also installed a green and social information board at the front door of the practice promoting information regarding sustainability in healthcare which the practice are looking into as a wider project. It also has regularly updated photos taken by staff and patients of green spaces within a 3 mile radius of the practice to inspire patients to explore their local green spaces for their wellbeing.

Rosie shared:

I have had a few patients mentioning the board, how it interested them and they would try and visit some of the local areas.”

“This is only the start of the climate challenge for the practice. We have researched so much and realised there is so much that can be done in GP centres and in our personal lives to help the climate crisis. We are motivated in continuing to improve our carbon footprint and reduce contributions to the climate crisis, for example we have looked at recycling bins, paper usage, social prescribing reviews and use of Fairtrade products, there is lots we can do.

“Many of the staff get involved looking after the borders, some staff have brought plants in from home and we all take part in a bit of weeding!”

Will you join the challenge?

Every NHS Lothian member of staff can play a role in achieving a greener future. Climate Challenge Grants can empower you to make a difference.

Apply today