Join our Team

Our team is passionate about improving health and wellbeing through making the most of the natural environment and our connection to it.

Current Vacancies

Horticultural Practitioner, East Lothian Community Hospital

Freelance, 1.5–2 days per week for 6 months

We are looking for a creative, empathetic and practical Horticultural Practitioner to help bring two newly built therapeutic gardens at East Lothian Community Hospital to life. These purpose‑designed spaces one supporting palliative care and one designed for mental health and dementia will offer patients, visitors and staff meaningful connections with nature.

About the Role

You will lead the development, maintenance and use of the Ward 1 and Ward 2 gardens by:

  • Delivering inclusive horticultural activities for patients, supported by clinical staff.
  • Coordinating a small team of NHS volunteers to help care for the gardens.
  • Carrying out regular garden maintenance, ensuring both spaces thrive year‑round.
  • Working closely with healthcare teams, integrating activities into patient care and supporting safe, positive engagement.
  • Providing risk assessments and following NHS Lothian safeguarding and safety procedures.
View the full job advert

How to Submit Your Proposal

Please email the documents listed on the full job advert by 5pm on Monday 20th April to:

Iain Cartwright, Green Health Project Manager
[email protected]

Any questions? Contact Iain

Have you considered volunteering?

There are many benefits to volunteering and by becoming an NHS Lothian Charity: Green Health Volunteer, you will:

– Make a real difference to patients and staff.
– Have fun and improve your own health and wellbeing.
– Be part of a friendly and supportive team.

Find out more

NHS Lothian Charity: Green Health Strategy

Find out more about how our Green Health programme supports the Charity to achieve our mission of enhancing experience and care for patients in hospital and communities, and having a positive impact on health in Lothians.

Read our strategy
Staff meeting at the beach house in the Community Gardens at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital

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Community Gardens at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital

Become a partner

We often work with mental health services and areas that have long stay patients. In communities, we are focused on reducing health inequalities and work with organisations that share our intention to improve health for those most in need. We are always interested in hearing about new opportunities, so get in touch if you want to discuss how, together, we can support NHS Lothian patients and staff.

Get in touch

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