A New Approach to Critical Care
A hospital in the UK is set to make history by opening a critical care unit on its roof. This innovative initiative aims to harness the benefits of fresh air and nature to aid in the recovery of patients. The garden ward, designed by renowned landscape architect Sarah Price, offers space for six beds and includes both open and covered areas.
The unit is located on the top of King’s College Hospital’s 60-bed critical care unit in South London. It allows patients to receive full life support while benefiting from the therapeutic effects of nature. The design incorporates aromatic herbs such as rosemary, sage, and oregano alongside native species and tactile plants like lamb’s ear. This low-maintenance garden encourages active engagement rather than passive observation.
Features of the Garden Ward
The garden ward is equipped with two pass-controlled lifts that enable porters to transport patients and their care teams. All necessary life-support equipment is available within the space. The area is fully powered and has data connections, ensuring constant monitoring of patients and a seamless experience when moving between indoor and outdoor settings.
Patients will have access to the roof garden, where doctors can prescribe ‘fresh air therapy’ when they believe it will be particularly beneficial. Some patients will be taken in their beds, while others may walk or use a wheelchair depending on their stage of recovery. However, patients will not be allowed to sleep on the roof overnight.
Benefits of Nature in Healthcare
Critical care units look after patients with serious and life-threatening conditions, including those on life support. While some admissions are planned, such as after major surgery, most patients at King’s are admitted as an emergency due to the hospital’s specialization in major trauma, cardiology, and neurosciences.
Dr Tom Best, clinical director of King’s Critical Care, highlighted the importance of treating the whole person. He stated that time spent in nature can reduce delirium, improve recovery outcomes, and lift the spirits of patients and their families. The outdoor critical care unit helps meet the goal of caring for the mind as well as the body.
Collaboration and Research
The garden was designed through a collaboration between garden designer Sarah Price and globally renowned landscape architect Nigel Dunnett, who recently passed away at the age of 63. As part of ongoing research, the Critical Care team will study whether accessing the garden improves patient recovery and reduces the length of stay. They will also track patients’ long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes.
There will be an additional focus on how families and staff benefit from using the space, particularly in managing stress levels. The project was funded by a £2 million donation from King’s College Hospital Charity, plus some funding from the Trust.
Iona Joy, director of grants and insight at King’s College Hospital Charity, emphasized that the project is about more than medical excellence. She noted it is about dignity, humanity, and innovation, transforming intensive care into compassionate care where science, technology, and empathy work together to save and rebuild lives.
Professor Clive Kay, chief executive of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, described the opening of the roof garden as an important milestone for the hospital. He highlighted that the project was built with purpose and guided by the needs of patients and their families, reflecting a deep commitment to dignity, support, and hope.
