The King’s Critical Care Roof Garden – Courtesy King’s College Hospital
A hospital in south London opened a garden on its rooftop where Critical Care patients can spend hours in the fresh air and sunlight.
ICU patients visiting the rooftop garden receive “full life support” while experiencing the therapeutic benefits of the natural surroundings.
Located on top of the hospital’s 60-bed critical care unit, King’s College Hospital says their roof garden has space for up to six beds.
The best part is that each patient can be safely cared-for—without being disconnected from essential life-support systems.
Six specially-designed weatherproof cabinets keep the patients close to power, data, and medical gas supplies, just like they would receive on the unit.
The hospital’s team will also be able to research how exposure to fresh air, greenery and sunlight can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve the well-being of patients—and the families and staff who care for them.
Weather-proof medical box provides life support on the King’s Critical Care Roof Garden – Courtesy King’s College Hospital
Dr. Tom Best, Clinical Director of King’s Critical Care, said many of their patients spend weeks or even months receiving intensive care—and research shows that time spent in nature can improve recovery outcomes.
“It’s important to treat the whole person and this outdoor critical care unit helps meet our goal of caring for the mind as well as the body,” he said in a media release.
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Iona Joy, Director of Grants at the King’s College Hospital Charity, said the garden—the first of its kind in the UK—is about dignity, humanity, and innovation.
“We are transforming intensive care into compassionate care—where science, technology, and empathy work together to save and rebuild lives.”
“When you’re stuck inside all day there’s no motivation to try and get back to normal life,” said Holly, who is waiting for a vital heart operation and spends hours at a time on the outdoor ward.
“Even if it was thunderstorms, I’d be out here,” she told the BBC. “It’s lovely.”
The garden designers, landscape architect Nigel Dunnett—a professor at the University of Sheffield—and Sarah Price—a three-time winner of the Chelsea Flower Show—formed a planting strategy.
The King’s Critical Care Roof Garden from above – Courtesy King’s College Hospital
Aromatic species, including rosemary, sage, and oregano, were incorporated alongside native species and tactile plants, such as lamb’s ear, to actively encourage engagement rather than passive observation.
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The low-maintenance garden has become a vital extension of the King’s Critical Care Centre, which supports over 5,000 patients and 15,000 loved ones each year.
As part of the research for the department, the Critical Care team will study patients’ long-term outcomes, with an additional focus on how families and staff benefit from using the space, particularly in managing stress levels.
Professor Clive Kay, Chief Executive of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, says the roof garden is dedicated to those with serious and life-threatening conditions.
“It’s been built with purpose and guided by the needs of patients and their families—and reflects a deep commitment to dignity, support, and hope.”
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