Queen Camilla inaugurated a new rooftop garden at a London hospital designed to function as an ‘outdoor ward’ for the hospital’s most severely ill patients. The Queen visited St George’s Hospital today, where she was greeted by Mark Lowcock, Chair of Epsom and St Helier’s NHS Hospitals Trust.
During her visit, Queen Camilla toured the hospital, engaging with staff in the neuroscience wing. She met the matron of the neuroscience ward, who shared that she had been serving at the hospital since 2004. The Queen was astonished when she learned that it was the matron’s 22nd year on the ward, exclaiming, “Oh my goodness!”
Subsequently, Camilla proceeded to the outdoor ward, where she interacted with patients, including one who had been hospitalized for 12 weeks. Expressing her admiration for the outdoor space’s potential impact, the Queen remarked that she was impressed and anticipated the positive difference it would make.
Following the unveiling of the plaque to officially inaugurate the Neuro Intensive Care Balcony Garden, Camilla expressed her delight, stating, “I can see the difference it makes just stepping outside into the fresh air. And I’m sure all the patients here will benefit enormously from this, so I think you’ve done a wonderful job. I’m thrilled to be here to open it.” As she departed the hospital, Camilla was presented with a large floral bouquet, leaving her visibly pleased.
The innovative outdoor space is a collaborative effort between the John King Brain Tumour Foundation and St George’s Hospital Charity. Previously an unused area, it has been transformed into a green sanctuary accessible to patients receiving critical neurological care.
This unique garden offers patients with complex brain injuries, tumors, or strokes access to fresh air, natural light, and a connection to the outside world while under expert clinical supervision. The concept of an ‘outdoor ward’ has been adopted by multiple hospitals in London, with King’s College Hospital recently opening an outdoor critical care room on its rooftop, becoming the first hospital in the UK to do so. This setup allows patients to receive full life support while benefiting from the therapeutic effects of nature.
The rooftop garden accommodates up to six beds, ensuring each patient is in close proximity to a specially designed weatherproof medical cabinet equipped with power, data, and medical gas supplies similar to those available in a traditional care unit.
Dr. Tom Best, Clinical Director of King’s Critical Care, emphasized the importance of the outdoor critical care unit in enhancing patient care by reducing delirium, improving recovery outcomes, and uplifting patients’ spirits and their families’ morale. This approach aligns with the hospital’s goal of holistic patient care, addressing both physical and mental well-being.
