A local MSP saw first-hand last week (Tuesday, 11 April) the budding success of NHS Lanarkshire’s Green Health Partnership (LGHP) in empowering and supporting patients.

Collette Stevenson MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for East Kilbride, visited the food growing site at University Hospital Hairmyres which is one of NHS Lanarkshire’s many green health initiatives and is nurtured in partnership with Clydesdale Community Initiatives Scotland (CCI).

Patients who are spending time in particular hospital wards, and with support from various NHS Lanarkshire mental health teams as well as guidance from CCI, can get involved in growing fruit, vegetables and flowers during the summer and autumn months across eight therapeutic gardens and food growing sites.

Ms Stevenson took the opportunity to hear more about the project’s goals and speak with NHS Lanarkshire staff alongside CCI workers and volunteers about their experience and how the LGHP is helping patients.

She said: “It was great to visit the gardens at University Hospital Hairmyres and learn more about the good work being done there from enthusiastic staff and participants.

“The gardening project has helped many people who have spent time in hospital to learn new skills, build their confidence and improve their wellbeing. The Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership also benefits the wider community, with fruit and vegetables grown donated to a local food bank.

“I’m positive this initiative will continue to flourish.”

Soumen Sengupta, Director of Health and Social Care for South Lanarkshire, praised the well-established LGHP and its initiatives: “Lanarkshire’s Green Health Partnership is playing a valuable role in helping patients access opportunities in local greenspace and nature to enhance both their mental and physical health.

“We are grateful for the grant from NHS Charities Together that has helped make this possible, alongside the enthusiasm of our own teams and colleagues from CCI.”

Ruth McElhinney, Community Development Manager at CCI, commented: “By working with NHS Lanarkshire through the LGHP we aim to empower individuals who may be experiencing significant barriers to mainstream inclusion for a number of reasons and support them to be involved in their communities.

“At University Hospital Hairmyres, we work alongside patients as well as our own participants, where we engage in seed sowing, food growing and harvesting.

“These activities give people a sense of pride in their achievements and helps build confidence and aspirations, improving wellbeing throughout the process.”

Lauren Duffy, Specialist Occupational Therapist, NHS Lanarkshire, added: “The Occupational Therapy service aims to promote recovery whilst in hospital. Having the growing site enables our client group to engage in positive and meaningful activity. The group allows service users to build on social skills through team working and also provides the opportunity to gain new skills which can be transferred to the community on discharge.”