We are delighted that our new indoor botanical Sky Garden at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, designed by award-winning landscape designer and CW+ Artist in Residence, Jinny Blom, has received the NHS Forest Award for the creation of an innovative green space.

Each year, the NHS Forest Awards recognise inspiring green space projects taking place within healthcare organisations around the UK, highlighting that nature connection and nature recovery are becoming an increasingly important role in healthcare throughout the UK.

The Sky Garden is one of only two green spaces in the UK designed specifically to incorporate the physical and psychological needs of intensive care patients and their families. It brings the outdoors inside, supporting the cognitive function, wellbeing, and rehabilitation of patients in intensive care and enables them and their loved ones to enjoy green space without leaving their ward.

Part of the redevelopment and expansion of the Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on the top floor of the hospital, the Sky Garden has been installed adjacent to the ICU, with Jinny creating a transformative experience for both patients and staff, where they can escape into nature and feel transported away from the clinical environment.

Trystan Hawkins, Director of Patient Environment at CW+, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award for our Sky Garden which Jinny so carefully designed. There is a wealth of research which demonstrates how natural environments have a real impact on patient’s wellbeing, recovery and mood. The Sky Garden is providing a space of tranquillity and nature which is proving to be a positive experience for both patients and staff”.

The awards took place on October 19 and you can read more about our Sky Garden here.