Polly Spring@polly_spring

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Kings College Hospital rooftop ICU garden

Patients in intensive care can now be supported on a rooftop garden at Kings College Hospital, where they can receive full life support while spending time outdoors. The hospital has created the United Kingdom's first rooftop critical care garden, allowing some of its most seriously ill patients to be wheeled outside while remaining fully connected to their medical equipment. Built above the intensive care unit with 60 beds, the garden can accommodate up to six patients at once. Each space is linked to specially designed weatherproof medical stations that provide the same power supply, data connections, and medical gases available inside the unit. This means patients can safely experience natural light, greenery, fresh air, and even the scent of herbs such as rosemary, sage, and oregano without any interruption to their treatment. Clinicians say the aim goes beyond comfort. People who spend long periods in intensive care often experience delirium, confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, and low mood. Research has suggested that contact with natural environments can reduce stress, support emotional wellbeing, and may aid recovery. The team will now study whether access to this garden can improve recovery times, reduce length of stay in intensive care, and support longer term physical and psychological outcomes. The two million pound project was designed by landscape architect Nigel Dunnett and garden designer Sarah Price. It is part of one of the largest critical care centres in the country, treating more than five thousand patients each year. Modern intensive care is often associated with machines and monitors. This project asks a different question: could something as simple as sunlight, plants, and fresh air also play a role in healing?

5mo

Polly Spring@polly_spring

Follow

Kings College Hospital rooftop ICU garden

Patients in intensive care can now be supported on a rooftop garden at Kings College Hospital, where they can receive full life support while spending time outdoors. The hospital has created the United Kingdom's first rooftop critical care garden, allowing some of its most seriously ill patients to be wheeled outside while remaining fully connected to their medical equipment. Built above the intensive care unit with 60 beds, the garden can accommodate up to six patients at once. Each space is linked to specially designed weatherproof medical stations that provide the same power supply, data connections, and medical gases available inside the unit. This means patients can safely experience natural light, greenery, fresh air, and even the scent of herbs such as rosemary, sage, and oregano without any interruption to their treatment. Clinicians say the aim goes beyond comfort. People who spend long periods in intensive care often experience delirium, confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, and low mood. Research has suggested that contact with natural environments can reduce stress, support emotional wellbeing, and may aid recovery. The team will now study whether access to this garden can improve recovery times, reduce length of stay in intensive care, and support longer term physical and psychological outcomes. The two million pound project was designed by landscape architect Nigel Dunnett and garden designer Sarah Price. It is part of one of the largest critical care centres in the country, treating more than five thousand patients each year. Modern intensive care is often associated with machines and monitors. This project asks a different question: could something as simple as sunlight, plants, and fresh air also play a role in healing?

5mo