Why plants in hospitals are good for you

There has been a growing trend in the UK for National Health Service hospital managers to restrict, or even ban the use of plants in hospitals. A good example is the case of Rochdale Infirmary, which was discussed in a recent article in the Times.

It may appear strange that hospital managers in the UK are so out of step with their colleagues in other countries, notably the USA, Scandinavia and the Netherlands. There is now a considerable body of research that shows that plants in hospitals significantly improve the prospects of patients, especially those in intensive care wards.

In the USA, where healthcare provision is often big business as well as a public service, hospital managers understand that the provision of, and access to, well-designed landscapes (both interior and exterior) can have significant beneficial impacts on clinical outcomes. Additionally, staff morale, patient satisfaction and visitor impressions are also enhanced. Furthermore, economic outcomes can also be improved as recovery times and care costs are often reduced.

The work of Professor Roger Ulrich at the Texas A&M University College of Architecture and Medicine has been especially influential in this area. The findings of his research, and that of many others over the last 20 years, is now being used by hospital architects and administrators in the USA to change the way that new healthcare facilities are being designed. New hospitals often now incorporate indoor landscapes and well-designed gardens that can be seen from patients' beds and be accessed by patients, visitors and staff. As well as improving clinical outcomes, staff retention is improved and 'burnout' from stress is reduced. Real long-term clinical and financial benefits are being seen.

But what of the downside? Aren't plants dirty and unhygienic? The short answer is 'No'.

One of the reasons given for restricting plants in hospitals is that the soil harbours fungi, which can release spores into the air. It is certainly true that fungi and bacteria will be in the soil, but in order for them to be dangerous, they have to be made air-borne. In fact, plants are very good at removing air-borne particles, such as fungal spores and dust. Experiments conducted by Virginia Lohr and others at Washington State University show that levels of dust and other particles can be reduced by as much as 20% by the addition of foliage plants.

Furthermore, it is entirely possible to have plants that are not grown in soil - hydroculture, so popular in the Netherlands, means that large foliage plants can be grown in a medium made up of water and clay granules with not a particle of soil to be seen.

Naturally, it is important that the plants used in hospitals are healthy and well-maintained and that the foliage is cleaned regularly. There, of course, some areas where plants would not be appropriate. However, in many areas of a hospital, attractive foliage plants can be a beneficial and cost-effective addition that softens the look of a harsh, clinical environment.

Click here to see more pictures of interior plants displays in hospitals around the world.