A nature-themed wall project has transformed the waiting area at Eastvale Resource Centre, in Rutherglen Primary Care Centre, into a warmer, more welcoming space for patients, families and carers.
The improvement was developed after trauma-informed walk-throughs conducted by the Camglen Psychological Therapies Team found that the waiting area could feel cold, clinical and uninviting, particularly for people who may already be feeling anxious while waiting for an appointment.
Feedback from service-users and staff highlighted issues including harsh lighting, outdated displays and a lack of warmth or welcoming features.
In response, a large nature-themed wall covering was installed, featuring an image of the local community gardening project by Grow73, based in Overtoun Park. The image was selected through a voting process with patients, helping to bring the outside indoors and create a stronger connection with the local area.
Funding was secured through the NHS Lanarkshire Health Charity to purchase and fit the wall covering.
An information screen and refreshed displays were also introduced, providing details of local support services and psychological wellbeing resources that may be helpful to people attending the practice.
Dr Lucy Macintyre, consultant clinical psychologist and joint lead for the Camglen Psychological Therapies Team, said: “We wanted to respond directly to what people told us about their experience of the waiting area. For someone who may already be feeling anxious or distressed, the environment they enter can make an important difference.
“By involving service users in choosing the image and applying trauma-informed principles, we have created a space that feels warmer, more welcoming and more connected to the local community.”
The completed project has received positive feedback, with almost 90% of responses supportive of the new wall covering. Further suggestions have also been gathered to help inform possible future improvements.
Sarah Burgess, Green Health Development Officer at Voluntary Action South Lanarkshire (VASLAN), commented: “This project is a lovely example of bringing nature indoors and using a familiar local place to make a healthcare environment more welcoming.
“The image also creates a connection with the green health opportunities available just outside the centre, including a drop in gardening group with Grow 73.
“Spending time in nature and taking part in local activities can help people connect with others, reduce isolation and support their wellbeing.”
Anne Hughes, Charity Development Lead, Lanarkshire Health Charity, added: “The NHS Lanarkshire Endowment Fund is now known as Lanarkshire Health Charity, reflecting a renewed ambition to increase the impact of charitable funding across Lanarkshire.
“The Charity supports projects like this that go beyond what the NHS can routinely provide, enhancing patient experiences, supporting staff wellbeing and improving health across our communities. As the Charity develops, it aims to fund more innovative projects, build new partnerships and encourage greater involvement from NHS staff, local people and businesses. This is Lanarkshire looking after Lanarkshire.”
To contact the charity email: Anne@lanarkshirehealthcharity.org.uk.
