WoodBlocX for hospitals

Evidence suggests that spending time in natural and green spaces helps to improve our health and wellbeing. Hospitals can be tricky spaces to incorporate greenery, however, there are many ways this can be done, from secluded gardens within courtyards to roof gardens with far-reaching views or entrances that bloom.

We have worked directly with the NHS to supply our modular timber planters for projects. Recently, we have been specified by The Centre For Sustainable Healthcare (CSH), which, since 2008, has been dedicated to sustainable clinic practice and quality improvement in healthcare, whilst this covers a broad range of sustainability in healthcare, one of the areas it focuses on is greenspaces as part of the project NHS Forest.

NHS Forest is an independent charity dedicated to helping health sites transform spaces to improve the health and wellbeing of those using them using the principles of biophilic design. This can include helping to rehabilitate patients using garden spaces within healthcare settings, teaching them skills and also giving them the opportunity to spend time within a greenspace to help encourage healthy lifestyle choices through social prescribing. Equally, these spaces are open and available to hospital staff as places to enjoy and sit amongst nature.

The benefits of using WoodBlocX in healthcare settings

Our modular timber solution is ideal for hospitals and health spaces. Our raised planters can be built at an accessible height, allowing patients to access areas of the garden without bending or stretching, and seating can also be incorporated. Our structures can also be designed to fit a space perfectly, whether it's for a brand-new space or retrofitting old planters. 

In addition, our Street Furniture options are a great solution for more formal areas such as entrances and car parks; these multifunctional seating designs can include space for planting shrubs and trees. WoodBlocX is a modular timber solution, which means designs can be flexible. We offer a Free Design Service to all clients and take plans and recreate them using our unique patented system.

Our timber components arrive onsite pre-cut and treated, which saves significant time and money on labour and ensures minimum disruption to hospital footfall. Once built, our structures are strong and durable, nor will they crack or warp and are guaranteed for 15 years.

Our NHS projects

Homerton Hospital

This central-London site was granted funding in 2022 by the North East London Care Partnership, as part of the CHS initiative, to create two areas within the hospital to engage different user groups in green space initiatives within the hospital.

We provided standard rectangular raised planters for an allotment space for the hospital’s diabetes unit, this area aims to provide post-care support and encourage healthy behaviours. The site also has a series of bespoke planters and seating near the maternity unit as a place for families to visit to provide a break from the hospital.

Manchester Royal Infirmary

WoodBlocX raised planters we used to retrofit Manchester Royal Infirmary’s existing sleeper planters. The planters, which were designed in different shapes, heights and sizes. Each has been planted with shrubs and flowers to provide a welcoming entrance to the hospital.

The large-scale nature of the installation of the planters created minimal impact on footfall to the hospital, thanks to all components being delivered on compact pallets and pre-cut to size, which speeds up installation and minimises waste.

Royal Berkshire Hospital

The team behind the garden at the NHS Royal Berkshire Hospital wanted to create a sanctuary within the hospital grounds for patients and their families to enjoy. Hidden away from the main access areas of the hospital, the courtyard is surrounded by hospital wards and was designed to provide plenty of space for people to sit in nature and with some privacy.

The large curved planters and seating combined with the high planting choice ensure that wherever visitors and patients choose to sit in this garden, they get the privacy they need.