Green the Grey

 What?- so what is Green the grey? This project, which is becoming my new focus, aims to improve our concrete courtyards around the hospitals into greener areas with the help of doctors and nurses. Green the Grey did go into standstill until I came along and added new life into it, so hopefully soon we will start to see differences being made throughout the hospitals for everyone to enjoy. We aim to improve these areas to give staff a place to breathe and relax but also for patients to reflect and escape the hospital surroundings even just for a minute.

Where?- Locations have been identified around both the RVI and Freeman and currently we are figuring out what needs to be done and impact these spaces will have.

Who?- This all started off with our green champions as they were asked to identify areas they felt needed to be made greener and to give ideas of what exactly can be done. If you would like to have a say and work at Newcastle hospitals why not become green champion yourself? 

Why?- Firstly, who doesn't prefer to look at a nice green area full of colour and interest, instead of concrete slabs and brick walls? These areas will also help with relaxation, mental health and will help towards making the hospital a greener place. There is interesting research showing having access to these areas can reduce the amount of medicine needed, improves the well being of staff and reduces the time taken to recover in hospitals.

When?- hopefully soon, currently all the background work is happening and soon we will be able to design and implement the ideas so hopefully you will see the difference very soon!

See below for a couple of examples of places that have been identified by our Green Champions