“When I came here to visit my mum when she was recovering from an operation, I’d always look out the courtyard by her ward, I’d watch the birds”
Visitor
Research report
The project was funded through Natural England’s ‘Bollin to Mersey’ Nature Recovery Partnership, which aims to create and restore habitats across south Manchester and north Cheshire, increase the resilience of the landscape and communities to climate change, and, crucially, increase local people’s connection to nature, maximising the benefits nature provides to our health, wellbeing, and prosperity.
Our research at Wythenshawe Hospital considered factors influencing the use of green spaces by the hospital community and outlined recommendations on how to promote greater use of green spaces by them. The core challenge was to understand the specific needs of staff, patients, and visitors, identify barriers to engagement, and develop actionable strategies to transform these spaces into vital assets for health and wellbeing.
We surveyed over 100 staff members and 30 patients/visitors and facilitated in-depth focus groups and interviews with staff members and key community representatives. This rigorous data collection allowed for a nuanced understanding of current usage patterns and aspirations for future green spaces. A key element of the project involved creating access to Baguley Woodland, a small coppice of mostly broadleaf trees within the hospital grounds, to demonstrate the first practical step in opening-up natural areas for the hospital community. The project also created significant opportunities for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) days. We led several CSR days to manage the overgrown undergrowth with corporate groups, increasing engagement and partnerships with the private sector and local businesses.
The research revealed significant barriers to green space utilisation, including a pervasive lack of awareness regarding their location and accessibility, acute time constraints for busy staff, inadequate facilities (such as seating and shelter), and a perception of some spaces as uninspiring or poorly maintained.
This project provides Wythenshawe Hospital with a clear roadmap to unlock the full potential of its green infrastructure. By implementing these recommendations, the hospital has potential to improve staff wellbeing, accelerate patient recovery, enhance visitor experience, and strengthen ties with the local community. The initiative marks a crucial step towards integrating nature more deeply into the healing environment, creating a healthier and more connected hospital for all.
You can find a link to the final report here, which would be of interest to a wide variety of potential partners, including hospital estate managers and directors, healthcare professionals, local government, and corporate organisations interested in CSR opportunities.
