Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital joined the NHS Forest network in November 2021. It created a green space for staff by planting 20 new trees and shrubs, three wildflower patches and installing four bird boxes to increase biodiversity and create a wellbeing centre for staff to enjoy. The trees are a part of the NHS Forest and the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. The species have been selected to coincide with the names of their clinical areas (Cherry Ward, Elm Ward, Aspen Suite, etc).
Jonathan Develing, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the hospital says: “The last 18 months have demonstrated the importance of being out, and exercising, in nature. Research has shown that being in nature can reduce stress levels, boost our mood, as well as be beneficial for our social relationships. The evidence is so strong that spending time in nature can be medically prescribed for its wellbeing benefits, and science continues to try to understand what it might do for our physical health. Here at LHCH we are incredibly proud of the work we have done so far to become greener and working towards achieving the NHS’ net-zero ambition. The work is constant and our staff are eager to get involved and make a difference.”
In 2024 they planted a further 60 NHS Forest trees paid for by the Nature for Climate fund.