Green care in Wrocław hospital gardens

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction: Green care includes a variety of therapies based a natural relationship between humans and nature which manifests itself in their inborn positive emotional reaction to the natural environment. Natural settings are particularly favorable for patients as they help them recover mentally and physically, and they can be used for rehabilitation. Worldwide it is increasingly common to consider the use and adaptation of hospital gardens for therapeutic purposes. The aim of the study was to describe and discuss the current state and use of Wrocław hospital grounds for the needs of nature walk therapy and horticultural therapy.Material and methods: Green spaces on Wrocław hospital grounds were analyzed. Each hospital was evaluated and the data were recorded on an evaluation sheet (general description of the hospital, location, state and development of green spaces) accompanied by a photographic documentation and interviews with the hospital staff and patients.Results: Nature walk therapy and horticultural therapy are hardly ever used in hospitals in Wrocław. If they are used, it is always a passive form of activity.Conclusions: Lack of adequate facilities and green spaces make the hospital surroundings unfriendly and inaccessible to patients.