At Imperial Health Charity, we're passionate about the impact green spaces can have within the hospital environment for staff, patients and visitors.
We're working closely with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust to develop a comprehensive green spaces plan, working towards improving spaces across the Trust.
Take a look at some of our recent hospital green space projects to find out how we're making an impact right now...
The Sanctuary Garden at Charing Cross Hospital
A quiet, calm and peaceful place for friends, family and visitors who may have suffered a bereavement, the Sanctuary Garden was opened at Charing Cross Hospital in June 2023.
It provides a tranquil outdoor space for anyone experiencing the grief and sadness of losing a loved one. Hard-working hospital staff can also use the garden to take a moment away from the wards and switch off from the pressures of work.
The Sanctuary Garden was designed and created by Dario Pizzi Design, with additional support from Gardencraft and Allgreen. It was funded thanks to generous support from NHS Charities Together and the late Suzanne Pallaris.
Find out more about the space through the video below.
Anniversary Garden at Charing Cross Hospital
The Charing Cross Anniversary Garden was built in 2018 to celebrate the hospital's 200th anniversary. Initiated by the dementia care team, the garden offers patients and staff, a much-needed space for relaxation and recovery.
The garden has been specially designed for patients with dementia as well as those recovering from a stroke or neurological condition. As well as providing a safe space for quiet reflection, the garden has also been used as an area for mealtime breaks, one-to-one sessions and regular outdoor activities tailored to aid the recovery process.
The design features private spaces, raised beds, and garden paths with smooth surfaces for patients who struggle with mobility.
This project was supported by garden designers Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer. Other partners included London Gardens, Cedar Nursery and the charity Thrive.
The garden would also not have been possible without a generous gift of £30,000 from donors Michael and Jackie Hayes. We are also very grateful to our patron Mark Thomas, for supporting our fundraising campaign.
The NICU roof terrace at Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital
Would you like to learn more about our hospital gardens and green spaces?
For more information about our work, please email arts@imperialcharity.org.uk