‘I forgot what it feels like to be outside’ – First rooftop intensive care ward opens
‘I forgot what it feels like to be outside’ – First rooftop intensive care ward opens
I forgot what it feels like – For the first time in two months, Hollie Allan, a 29-year-old patient, is stepping into a hospital lift and heading toward a unique destination: a rooftop ward designed to bring the outdoors into the heart of critical care. The move marks the debut of an innovative space at King’s College Hospital in south London, which aims to redefine recovery for seriously ill patients. As the lift doors open, Hollie is greeted by sunlight, a moment that triggers a mix of emotions. “I’m sorry, it’s so nice. It’s so beautiful,” she says, her voice trembling with the weight of her experience. The warmth of the sun on her face, something she hadn’t felt in a while, brings tears to her eyes. “I forgot what it feels like to be outside,” she adds, wiping her cheeks as she takes in the view.
Outdoor Care for Critical Patients
The rooftop ward, a pioneering initiative in the UK, is the first of its kind to integrate critical care with natural elements. It accommodates six patients, each bed equipped with life-support systems and oxygen supplies stored in a waterproof enclosure nearby. The design includes canopies that shield patients from harsh weather while allowing them to experience the benefits of fresh air and open space. This setup is intended to provide a therapeutic environment for those who have spent extended periods in traditional indoor intensive care units.
“When you’re stuck inside all day, there’s no motivation to try and get back to normal life. You get tired of fighting,” Hollie explains, reflecting on the emotional toll of her prolonged stay.
Despite her current condition—still connected to feeding tubes and monitored for vital signs—Hollie is the first to test this new facility. Her journey to the rooftop is a testament to the hospital’s ambition to blend medical care with environmental therapy. The space, part of the hospital’s 60-bed intensive care unit, is designed to be a temporary respite for patients who meet specific criteria. “Even if it was thunderstorms, I’d be out here. It’s lovely,” Hollie says, emphasizing her willingness to embrace the experience. She plans to spend several hours on the roof each day, weather permitting.
Design and Benefits
The rooftop garden was created by garden designer Sarah Price and landscape architect Nigel Dunnett, who previously collaborated on the iconic Olympic Park for the 2012 London Games. Dunnett’s vision has been realized in this space, where patients can interact with scented flowers like honeysuckle, jasmine, and lavender, as well as textured foliage and grasses. These elements are not just decorative; they are part of a deliberate effort to connect patients with nature in a way that supports their physical and emotional well-being.
“Price says gardens help people slow down and feel more connected to nature: ‘You can see the change not only on their face, but just in the way that they breathe.'”
Dr. Phil Hopkins, an intensive care consultant at King’s, highlights the importance of this shift in patient care. “We don’t just want to save lives,” he states, “we want to return them to their lives as quickly as we can.” The hospital is monitoring heart rates, respiratory rates, and pain levels to assess whether time outdoors accelerates recovery. This approach aligns with research suggesting that exposure to natural environments can enhance patient morale and reduce the need for prolonged hospitalization. While hospital gardens have long been used to improve wellbeing, they often lack the infrastructure to support critically ill individuals.
Supporting Staff and Patients
The rooftop ward also serves as a sanctuary for hospital staff. During breaks, caregivers can step outside to recharge, which managers believe will help alleviate the stress of long shifts. This dual-purpose design ensures that both patients and medical teams benefit from the space. The £2 million investment to create the garden was funded by the hospital’s charity, a significant achievement that underscores the community’s support for this initiative.
For Hollie, the change from indoor confinement to the rooftop has been transformative. Prior to her admission, she had been too frail to enjoy the outdoors, and her long stay in intensive care left her feeling detached from the world beyond the hospital walls. The new ward offers a chance to reconnect, even if only briefly. “It’s like a breath of fresh air,” she says, her words echoing the symbolic shift it represents.
Future Implications
King’s College Hospital’s chief executive, Clive Kay, is optimistic about the potential impact of this facility. He envisions a model that could be replicated across the NHS, reducing the strain on critical care resources. “If we can shorten stays and optimize the use of facilities, it would be a game-changer,” he says. The hospital’s goal is to create a more holistic approach to treatment, one that prioritizes not just survival but recovery and reintegration into daily life.
Since its opening, the rooftop ward has attracted attention as a symbol of progress in healthcare design. Patients like Hollie are no longer confined to the sterile confines of their beds, and the introduction of natural elements is seen as a way to combat the mental fatigue associated with prolonged hospitalization. The space is a blend of medical functionality and aesthetic appeal, offering a unique environment where healing and comfort coexist.
As the hospital continues to monitor the outcomes of this trial, the focus remains on adapting care to meet the evolving needs of patients. The rooftop ward represents a bold step toward integrating nature into the most critical stages of recovery, proving that even in the face of severe illness, the outside world can still have a profound impact. For Hollie, it’s a small but meaningful victory, one that might just change the way people think about intensive care for the better.