Patients at King’s College Hospital in London, UK can receive full support and care in a new outdoor Critical Care garden on the roof of the building. The hospital recognises the benefits of nature and how imperative it is for patients to experience the outdoors whilst receiving their treatment and care.

There is space for six beds which allows space for the medical equipment and weatherproof facilities so that the staff can still access power, data and gas supplies which they would ordinarily need in the main hospital.

Importantly, an opportunity to research the effects of the outdoors on health and wellbeing can be conducted. Fresh air, greenery, sunlight and nature have been shown to reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and improve general wellbeing so researchers can seize the opportunity to research this further and provide additional evidence for these claims. In addition to supporting the patient, the exposure to nature can in turn improve the wellbeing of the staff and the visitors too.

The project has been funded by King’s College Hospital Charity who donated £2 million to improve patient experience and enhance innovation at King’s College Hospital.

1. Who designed the hospital’s outdoor Critical Care Unit?

2. What will the research investigate specifically?

3. How far should the government invest in more spaces like this?