Embracing Nature: The Healing Touch of Greenery in Healthcare Facilities

Imagine walking into a healthcare facility and being greeted by the soothing sight of lush greenery, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the soft chirping of birds. This isn't a far-off dream, but a reality that's gaining momentum in healthcare design worldwide. The incorporation of nature into healthcare settings is an ancient practice that's making a comeback, thanks to a wealth of scientific evidence supporting its benefits.

Nature: A Friend in Healing

Did you know that just a few minutes of looking at a garden or a picture of nature can help you feel better? It's true! Studies have shown that viewing environments filled with greenery, flowers, or water can significantly help in recovery from stress. This calming effect happens quickly, often within just three to five minutes, leading to positive emotional and physiological changes. These include feelings of calmness, reduced negative emotions, and improvements in blood pressure, heart activity, muscle tension, and brain electrical activity.

A Breath of Fresh Air for Healthcare Staff

The benefits of nature aren't just for patients. Healthcare staff, who often face high levels of stress due to demanding work conditions, can also find solace in nature-filled spaces. Gardens and green spaces provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of the workplace, helping staff to unwind and recuperate. Evidence suggests that these natural spaces can increase staff satisfaction and may even help in attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

Nature's Role in Better Clinical Outcomes

The power of nature doesn't stop at stress reduction. It can also lead to improved clinical outcomes. For instance, a study conducted at Uppsala University Hospital in Sweden in the 1990s found that heart surgery patients who were exposed to simulated nature views experienced less anxiety and pain during their postoperative period. Another study found that patients with a bedside window view of trees had shorter hospital stays and fewer post-surgical complications compared to those with a view of a wall.

Creating More Greenery: A Few Tips

By using planters, greenery can be incorporated either inside or outside of your facility, with a selection of both real and artificial plants. While real plants offer air-purifying benefits, while artificial plants require less upkeep, allowing you to choose the right blend for each area of your facility.

The inclusion of greenery in healthcare facilities is more than just a nice-to-have feature. It's a scientifically supported approach that can enhance patient outcomes, reduce stress, and boost staff satisfaction. If you’d like help in creating a greener environment for your residents, visitors and staff, our friendly team at Astra Street Furniture is here to help.