Enhancing Hospital Grounds with Covered Outdoor Areas

Creating a covered outdoor area within your hospital grounds offers numerous benefits, particularly in enhancing the well-being and comfort of your patients. These spaces provide a serene environment, fostering relaxation and a sense of calm, which can be invaluable in a hospital setting.

Create a Calm, Relaxing Environment

Hospitals are often bustling with activity, which can be overwhelming for patients who are not accustomed to such an environment. Introducing an outdoor canopy, shade sail, or awning can transform an area into a tranquil retreat where patients can breathe in fresh air and enjoy peace and quiet.

Many hospitals have recognised the value of establishing peaceful, sensory gardens within their grounds. These gardens offer solitude and a calming atmosphere, making them a popular addition to healthcare facilities. With the installation of canopies, these gardens can be enjoyed year-round, regardless of the weather.

For instance, in 2012, Kent & Canterbury Hospital in Kent created a sensory garden specifically for their Neuro-Rehabilitation patients. The garden features floral beds, a potting shed, and a shaded seating area covered by vibrant Shade Sails installed by Able Canopies. This space has become a cherished retreat for patients, providing them with a calming environment amidst the hospital setting.

Another example of this is that in May 2024, Salford Royal Hospital sought to enhance their hospital garden, specifically for neurorehabilitation patients, by upgrading the area to provide a year-round accessible and user-friendly space for patients and their families. These improvements were made possible through charitable donations. To achieve their vision, we installed an Ulverston Umbrella canopy. This canopy, with its waterproof tensile material, offers reliable protection from rain and effective shading from the sun, while its vibrant design adds a cheerful touch to the outdoor space. The Ulverston Umbrella is an ideal solution for Salford Royal Hospital, ensuring that patients, staff, and visitors can enjoy the garden comfortably in all weather conditions throughout the year.

Enable Young Patients to Play Outdoors Safely

In addition to creating relaxing areas for adult patients, hospitals can also benefit from establishing safe, sheltered outdoor spaces for younger patients or visiting children. Providing a shaded area for outdoor play can significantly boost the confidence of young patients, helping them feel less isolated and more connected to the world outside.

An accessible outdoor space allows children to experience a sense of freedom, reducing the feeling of confinement often associated with hospital stays. A well-designed canopy not only offers UV protection, ensuring children can play safely even in hot weather, but it also keeps the area cool and comfortable.

A prime example of this is the Commercial Awning installed by Able Canopies at Croydon University Hospital in Surrey in April 2012. This awning was placed in the outdoor play area for the Dolphin (Children’s) Unit, creating a sheltered space where young patients, including those confined to their beds, could enjoy the outdoors. This space not only gives children the freedom to play but also allows parents to spend quality time with their children in a safe, shaded environment.

Victoria Hill, Senior Play Assistant at Croydon University Hospital, shared her thoughts on the new awning: “The installation was very efficient—no fuss, just brilliant work. We are delighted with the canopy. It’s perfect for the children playing outside in hot weather. It’s wonderful not having to constantly move the sand and water tray to shaded areas to keep the children cool. Parents can now spend more time with their children, knowing they can sit in the shade and watch them play happily. It’s also ideal for children on traction who can’t leave their beds; they can now be transported outside under the shade—perfect! Many thanks.”

Conclusion

Installing covered outdoor areas within hospital grounds is a game-changer, offering patients a much-needed escape from the busy hospital environment. Whether through tranquil gardens for relaxation or play areas for children, these spaces enhance the overall patient experience, contributing to their well-being and recovery.

To learn more about how Able Canopies can help create these valuable spaces in your hospital, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures at
hospitals, care homes and healthcare organisations across the UK, allowing our
customers to provide dry and sheltered outdoor areas to improve the wellbeing
and comfort of patients, residents and visitors.
For more information please contact us

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