Looking back at summer in UCLH’s thriving gardens

As summer draws to a close, we are looking back at some of the brighter moments spent in UCLH’s beautiful gardens and green spaces. We were fortunate to welcome a documentary photographer who captured a series of stunning images of staff, volunteers and patients enjoying and working in these tranquil environments.

Research shows that spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing. In a hospital setting, green spaces provide a valuable opportunity for reflection, relaxation and respite from busy clinical surroundings.

In recent years, UCLH’s gardens have undergone significant refurbishment and enhancement thanks to a generous grant from UCLH Charity and the Oak Foundation. The funding has supported the transformation of the courtyard garden at 250 Euston Road, as well as replanting and improvements to gardens at the Grafton Way Building, the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, the Cancer Centre and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery.

The grant also supports the ongoing care and maintenance of these outdoor spaces, ensuring they continue to flourish for patients, visitors and staff for years to come.

Today, these gardens offer welcoming places to pause, recover and reconnect with nature, helping to support wellbeing across our hospitals while creating a greener and more uplifting environment for everyone who uses them.

Emily Armstrong, ward sister haematology, works in the Grafton Way Building and said: “It’s wonderful to see so many people making use of the garden. Patients often tell us how much they appreciate having somewhere calm and green to spend time during their treatment, while visitors can take a moment away from the ward environment.

"For staff, it’s a chance to pause, reset and enjoy being outdoors. The garden makes a real difference to the atmosphere of the building and to people's wellbeing.”

(Photos credit: Katrina Campbell