The Royal Edinburgh Hospital (REH) has just become the first hospital in Scotland to receive the Green Flag Award (on Thursday 14 October). It is an internationally recognised mark of quality which has been awarded to the hospital for its well managed natural spaces that benefit patients, staff, and the local community.
The international award is administered in Scotland by the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful. It celebrates well maintained parks and greenspaces which provide people with the opportunity for exercise, help improve mental wellbeing and provide safe areas for play – something that has been especially important during the pandemic.
Tracey Mckigen, Services Director for the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services in NHS Lothian, said: “I’m really delighted that our hospital has received this award recognising the work that goes into looking after our beautiful greenspaces.
“These areas are very important to NHS Lothian as they enable both our staff and patients to connect with nature, which helps with mental and general wellbeing.
“The recognition could not have been achieved without the support and contribution of the whole hospital community, so I would like to thank everyone involved for their ongoing hard work to support our natural areas. As the site evolves to meet future healthcare needs our greenspace management plan will ensue nature continues to be at the heart of the site.”
The NHS Lothian Grounds and Gardens teams manage the site with the support of third sector organisations and patient volunteers. Activities run by these groups in NHS Lothian’s outdoor spaces form a key part of people’s recovery .
The Royal Edinburgh Hospital provides acute psychiatric and mental health services, including treatment for learning disabilities and dementia. Its specialist services include centres for the treatment of eating disorders, alcohol problems and young people’s mental health.
The importance of the natural environment has been recognised since the hospital was established over 200 years ago. Recent investment from Edinburgh Lothian Health Foundation (ELHF) and Nature Scot has meant that REH teams can ensure that the grounds continue to support the needs of the hospital community.
Ian Mackenzie, Green Health Programme Manager for ELHF, said: “This is such a great achievement for the hospital to be recognised for its well-managed, natural spaces. They are a lifeline for our hospital community, and not only form a key part of people’s recovery, but have also become an essential asset for patients, staff, and the local community, particularly during recent lockdowns. This collaborative approach to continuing to evolve the space to meet current and future healthcare needs will ensure nature continues to be at the heart of the site now and for years to come.”
