Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18“With an estimated 800,000 visitors to the hospital each year, we feel very lucky to be able to provide our staff and patients with such a beautiful green space as a sanctuary for rest and recuperation. We look forward to flying our Green Flag with pride at the hospital and feel incredibly privileged to be the first NHS trust to receive this prestigious award.” Laura Dale, Sustainability Manager The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust Hospitals Outdoor spaces around hospitals have become increasingly important in recent years. They are seen as an integral part of the healing process for patients, an essential area for them and their visitors to spend time, as well as benefiting staff. Not only do outdoor spaces help to improve mental health, they can support and aid recovery. Outdoor spaces are as important to health and wellbeing as those indoors. Studies show that patients who are happy with their healthcare environments are easier to care for and return home sooner. Green space also provides the opportunity for exercise to aid recuperation. Evidence shows gentle exercise in a green space can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes by 50%, fracture of the femur, colon cancer and breast cancer by 30% and Alzheimer’s by 25%. Benefits • Improve physical health and recovery times • Mental stimulation resulting in improved mental health • Encourage fellow patient/visitor support by bringing people together, avoiding isolation • Outdoor space can be integrated into the care plan of patients, improving outcomes • Better staff retention resulting in cost savings in recruitment and training • Improve patient/visitor experience The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth NHS Foundation Trust The Trust recognises the importance of regular access to natural environments for its patients, staff and visitors. It also wants to raise the awareness of the link between green spaces and their positive benefits for mental health and wellbeing. The site comprises an area dominated by planted mixed woodland, interspersed with patches of amenity grassland surrounding the hospital buildings and a central lake. The Royal Bournemouth Hospital is home to a range of biodiversity, which has been further encouraged through the continued improvement of its green spaces over the past couple of years. The hospital lakeside is a popular location for a number of bird species including herons, moorhens, woodpeckers, cormorants and kingfishers. The lake itself harbours a range of coarse fish species such as koi carp, mirror carp, grass carp and ornamental goldfish. The lake is a relaxed location that staff and patients can enjoy, and supports the benefits that green spaces have been shown to have for patient recovery. The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust 9