Author: Craig

Kings College Hospital is proud to announce the installation of a breathtaking five-meter backlit photograph of bluebells in a spring woodland, now displayed in the hospital’s well-being room. This tranquil and immersive scene, designed to evoke the peace and beauty of nature, is aimed at providing a serene escape for hospital staff who often face the pressures of their demanding roles.

The image, which captures the ethereal glow of bluebells blooming amidst a sun-dappled forest, is intended to transport staff into a calming natural environment, offering a much-needed respite from the fast-paced, high-stress atmosphere of the hospital. The gentle lighting behind the photograph further enhances its soothing qualities, bringing a sense of calm and tranquillity to all who visit the room.

In an environment where healthcare professionals are constantly juggling the intense demands of patient care, long shifts, and personal responsibilities, the installation of this nature-inspired piece is a powerful reminder of the healing properties of the natural world. Studies have shown that exposure to nature, even in photographic form, can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote mental clarity. By integrating this stunning nature scene into the well-being room, Kings College Hospital aims to provide a peaceful sanctuary for staff, allowing them to rest, recharge, and restore their focus.

“We understand how important it is for our healthcare professionals to have access to a space where they can unwind and decompress. The addition of this bluebell photograph reflects our commitment to supporting the well-being of our staff, who often work tirelessly to care for others,” said Tracie Culpitt, at Kings College Hospital. “We hope that this image, representing the tranquillity and beauty of nature, offers our team the peace and calm they deserve.”

The connection with nature is part of an ongoing initiative to promote staff well-being at Kings College Hospital, which recognizes that caring for the mental and emotional health of healthcare professionals is essential in maintaining high standards of patient care. The well-being room, designed as a quiet space for reflection and rest, provides an important retreat for the hospital’s dedicated team members.

As the demands of healthcare work continue to grow, Kings College Hospital remains dedicated to finding innovative ways to support the well-being of those who serve in this vital profession. The backlit photograph of bluebells is a small but significant step in helping staff find moments of peace amidst their busy and often challenging schedules.

April, 2024

On a dark winter’s day we visited St Peter’s Hospital, Chertsey, to install the magnificent light emitting bluebell woodland display. Nothing could have prepared us for the impact it would have on a gentleman who was agitated and anxious, waiting to be seen by staff in the AECU. Immediately it was unveiled his face changed to reflect the sunshine, the optimism, and the serenity of the spring woodland. In his words “it has made me feel so much more relaxed – it is beautiful. It reminds me of walking in my local woods – it has so much light”

Nature Works for Health in partnership with Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals has recently unveiled two nature light displays in the Ambulatory Emergency Care Unit (AECU) at St Peter’s Hospital. The Healing Arts committee, led by Chief Nurse Andrea Lewis and Deputy Chairman Marcine Waterman, meet regularly to discuss how to create an environment in the hospital that is both calming and inspiring.    In the words of Marcine

“These immersive nature displays aim to bring the beauty of the natural world into the hospital.  We believe and evidence suggests that the presence of nature and landscapes in healthcare settings can bring a number of benefits and can aid recovery, help to reduce the length of stay for patients and have a positive impact on wellbeing for staff, patients and visitors.

Which is why we’re absolutely delighted to celebrate the installation of these beautiful nature displays in our AECU at St Peter’s. As I am sure you can see, these nature displays really do have the power to take your mind away from the clinical setting and offer a sense of calm and visual serenity.” Marcine Waterman, Deputy Chairman, Non-Executive Director and champion of the Healing Arts programme at Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals.

Before

After

Viewing Nature Photography Displays provide patients and staff with the opportunity to immerse themselves, and experience the restorative healing power of nature.

Nature Works for Health partnered with CW+, the charity of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, to provide Nature Light Displays to the hospital.

Known for his ‘painterly’ approach to using light and shade, with his photographs conveying a sense of serenity and calm, Charlie Waite has been working in close partnership with Roger Ulrich, a specialist in biophilia, focusing on people’s innate attraction to nature and natural processes.

These immersive large light-emitting Nature Displays aim to bring the beauty of the natural world into the hospital, offering a sense of calm and visual serenity to patients, relatives and staff.

This installation is part of the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital’s Arts in Health programme, set up and run by its charity CW+, which aims to create healing environments in both clinical and non-clinical spaces for patients and staff, using landscapes as a tool to improve wellbeing and provide a calming atmosphere.

Trystan Hawkins, Director of Patient Environment at CW+, said: “It has been a pleasure working with Charlie Waite and Nature Works for Health, and we are very grateful to him for the Nature Photography Displays which have now been installed in our expanded and redeveloped ICU. Art and the physical environment play an important role in patient, family and staff wellbeing. The beautiful backlit Nature Photography Displays create a connection with the outdoors, which we hope support patient and staff wellbeing.”

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