Work has commenced to transform a site at St James’s University Hospital into a tranquil wellbeing and recovery garden for staff and patients. Created by The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and designed by renowned landscape designer and RHS Ambassador Adam Frost, the project is the first of its kind in the region. The garden will demonstrate the power of nature in healthcare and provide a space to relax and reflect for those working in or visiting the hospital.
NHS staff were involved with the design of this garden through a consultation process, to ensure that it addresses the needs of both staff and patients. The plans include a range of new seating areas, an all-weather shelter complete with green roof and plenty of pollinator-friendly planting. There will be over 200sqm of mixed beds, new trees and shrubs and a mix of native and non-native planting selected for maximum wildlife benefit. Medicinal plants such as valerian, evening primrose, lemon verbena and hyssop will also be incorporated into the garden in homage to the garden site and the nearby Thackray Museum of Medicine.
This project is part of a national initiative from the RHS in partnership with the NHS to create a network of wellbeing gardens across England. The first garden in this scheme opened at University Hospital Lewisham in 2022, where over 70% of staff surveyed reported improved mental health, citing the Wellbeing Garden as a crucial space for decompression and recharge during challenging periods. A second garden opened last summer at Colchester Hospital.
Dame Linda Pollard, Chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said:
“There has never been a more important time for this partnership with the RHS. These are incredibly challenging times for our staff, both within the NHS and in their personal lives. Our new garden will provide a space for them to stop and reflect, take a break from their daily lives and focus on their own wellbeing which in turn, will enable them to be the best they can be for our patients. I am very grateful for the RHS’ support for Leeds Teaching Hospitals to date and am excited to watch the garden become a reality. From small seeds, great things grow, so I look forward to seeing the impact we can make together for our staff, patients and communities as our partnership develops.”
The garden is expected to take approximately three months to complete with an anticipated opening in late summer.
Funding for the garden is separate from funding used for frontline care and includes a grant from Leeds Hospitals Charity.
View more about the project