Western General Hospital

Find out more about the Green Health projects and activities that are taking place on site

The Western General Hospital is an acute hospital with a range general and specialist services. The grounds and gardens are made up of network of mature trees and small greenspaces that provide a respite from the busy hospital and a home for nature.

The hospital has around 570 beds (including day beds) and is home to the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, the Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, and the award-winning, nurse-led Minor Injuries Clinic. A new state-of-the-art Renal Dialysis Unit and the Edinburgh Haematology Centre also occupy the site, both of which were enhanced by funding and Art and Therapeutic Design Project collaborations between NHS Lothian and NHS Lothian Charity.

Working together with staff on site, we support the delivery of Green Health solutions that help improve health and wellbeing and increase biodiversity on site.

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Team of people preparing to scythe wildflower meadow

What’s on

Find out what’s on in the Western this month. Led by our RSBP Nature and Wellbeing Officer, these activities bridge clinical care with the outdoors to help boost staff wellbeing.
What’s on now
RSPB Nature and Wellbeing Officer, Beth Cochrane standing in front of purple and pink flowering bushes

Meet the Ranger

Beth Cochrane, is our RSPB Nature and Wellbeing Officer. She leads engaging nature-based sessions that improve the physical and mental wellbeing of patients and staff. This is a continuation of our successful Nature Connections project on site.
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Wildlife at the Western

Our Wildlife at the Western project brings together the beautiful outdoor spaces that surround the Western General. From gardens to pollinator patches, you don’t need to go far to experience the nature on the doorstep of the hospital.
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Greenspace and Biodiversity Projects

We are working to protect and improve our grounds to ensure they remain a vibrant haven for both people and wildlife and help us tackle climate change.
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Robin on branch

Audio Guide to Find Mindful Moments at the Western Gen…

Thanks to the amazing work of our RSPB Nature Connections project, you can now go on a self-guided nature walk in the grounds of the Western General Hospital.
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WGH Staff at the Botanics

Latest News

Want to see how our outdoor spaces are transforming? Check out Beth’s seasonal round-ups to read stories, track our progress, and discover all the creative ways patients, staff, and volunteers are getting involved.
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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.

Join our network