New research shows gardens and other green spaces at hospital sites have an important role to play in supporting staff wellbeing. This year-long study published by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare focused on three NHS sites that had taken steps to encourage their staff to relax and recharge in green space.

Staff stress has long been a critical issue for the NHS, where in 2019 more than four in 10 staff reported feeling unwell as a result of work-related stress in the last 12 months. These problems have been greatly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, making staff wellbeing a greater priority now than ever. The research shows that there is a strong appetite among health staff to take time outdoors – either for breaks or in the course of work – and points to a range of wellbeing benefits.