Findings and Recommendations

The results highlight very positive views of NHS greenspace from the majority of interviewees. This is perhaps unsurprising given that all have been involved in a NHS greenspace demonstration project. Interviewees stated that NHS greenspace can contribute across a range of policies such as health, biodiversity, energy, although many felt the focus should be on health. The key priorities that NHS greenspace can potentially contribute to were identified as physical activity, mental well-being, reduction in length of hospital stay, and contribution to creating less obesogenic environments. Beneficiaries of NHS greenspace were identified as patients, staff, visitors and local communities; however patients and staff were viewed as the priority. There was a strong realisation of the difficulties of monitoring and evaluating these types of complex interventions with a suggestion that a mixed methods approach might be most suitable as there would be difficulties quantifying and monetising many of the benefits gained by the beneficiaries.

The results illustrate that there is potential for greenspace design to be stipulated as an essential requirement for retrofitting existing healthcare facilities, and in the creation of any new hospital facilities.

A strategic approach should be undertaken as there are clearly priority hospital sites near large centres of population with a good greenspace resource to work with for the GEP to focus on.

The GEP work should demonstrate where NHS greenspace has been carried out and how, provide details, proactively advocate the approach, and provide guidance and support for sites that might want to take this up. There are opportunities to publicise what has already been done through existing health networks and strategic meetings. This is already taking place and is ongoing.