A unique space for healing
Sun therapy gives intensive-care patients at Harefield Hospital the chance to spend time outside, connect with nature and escape the stress of a clinical setting.
This unique outdoor space gives patients on life-support devices (like ventilators and ECMO, a support system that helps patients with severe heart or lung conditions) the rare chance to spend time outdoors. People who’ve been in intensive care for weeks can feel the sun on their faces, listen to the birds, see their families – even their pet dogs – away from the noise and stress of the ward.
More moments in the sun
With your support, we plan to upgrade this space to make it more accessible, more suitable and more beautiful for patients and their families.
Designed with help from RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist James Smith, and in collaboration with families and staff, the space will bring the power of nature into the heart of the hospital. It will offer calm, comfort and a little normality during long or difficult stays.
Planned improvements include:
- Installation of medical gas points, which will triple the number of ITU patients able to use the space, giving more families vital moments of relaxation and connection
- New planting and seating to enhance the space, harnessing the power of nature to help patients and families relax away from the ward
- Improvements to the driveway and paths to reduce the amount of dust produced, which is important for patients with lung conditions
Right now, only one patient on a mechanical heart device can use the space at a time. With your help, we want to add extra medical-gas points so more people can benefit, all year round.
This upgrade could triple the number of patients able to use the space, giving more families vital moments of relaxation and connection.
Have a question?
Please call us on 020 3988 5982 or email a member of the team
