Land-Based Healing | Nature for Healing
About the Program
The purpose of our Land-Based Healing | Nature for Healing program is to enhance Children’s Hospital patient and family health and healing experience through increased exposure to nature, both inside and outside the hospital.
The momentum behind this work comes directly from identified needs from patients and families at Children’s Hospital, echoed by interdisciplinary staff and physicians who identify the importance of this work. This work was founded in collaboration with the Indigenous Healing Center to support their initiatives and practice of Land-Based Healing.
Our program focuses on two specific objectives at Children's Hospital:
01
Implementing Nature Prescriptions for In- and Out-Patients
02
Developing and Enhancing Naturalized Areas
01 Nature Prescriptions
What are nature prescriptions?
Nature prescriptions are written prescriptions for experiences in nature that are made between a healthcare provider and a patient. There is no standard template for nature prescriptions and they can take both structured and unstructured forms. Nature prescriptions are increasing in popularity as a form of social prescribing, with a goal to improve health behaviour and mental wellbeing of patients.
Who can get a nature prescription?
Nature prescriptions are available for everyone of all ages and abilities and they are available for both in- and out- patients. We support the entire healing journey, including critical illness.
Who can prescribe nature?
Physicians and nurse practitioners at Children's Hospital can prescribe nature. Patients or their families can ask for a nature prescription that is tailored to specific needs and health goals.
Example of a Nature Prescription
Other Examples of Prescribed Activities:
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Unstructured play outdoors
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Listen to a nature meditation
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Reflect on 3 sounds heard outside
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Listen to nature sounds and take 10 breaths from your belly
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Find a window and look for 5 different pieces of nature
02 Naturalized Areas
What are naturalized areas?
At Children's Hospital, naturalized areas are spaces where patients and families can go to connect to nature. These areas may be inside or outside. If inside, the spaces incorporate elements of nature, such as real or artificial plants, nature artwork or murals, or nature noises. The spaces outside often have walking paths or outdoor sitting areas.
Does Children's Hospital currently have naturalized areas?
Yes, Children's Hospital currently has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces that we encourage patients and families to visit in order to connect with nature. Please follow the button below to see the naturalized areas that are currently available.
What is the focus for the new naturalized areas?
Although we love our current naturalized areas, we understand that there is always room for improvement. We are hoping to create more naturalized areas and elements throughout Children’s Hospital, focusing on common areas and individual rooms through images, art, and sensory areas. Examples include art, sound machines, and exposure to plants and trees. We are also hoping to integrate nature in daily activities, such as designing video and audio experiences for connecting to nature for patients indoors, involvement of long-stay patients in planting and gardening led by Nicole Yawney in the Indigenous Healing Space and guided nature activities available to families, such as nature walks guided by nature specialists (and much more)!
Thank you!
We would like to thank LHSC and Children's Hospital Foundation for recognizing the healing power of nature and helping to launch the Land-Based Healing | Nature for Healing program. This work would not be possible without your support.
