NHS staff being trained to use outdoors for treating patients
"Nature can relax us, educate us, and help reduce anxiety and depression."We know there are countless benefits to connecting with nature - it makes us feel better, physically and mentally," she continued.
Relaxed and refreshed
Natural England said healthcare staff reported feeling more relaxed and refreshed when outside - benefits it hoped could transfer into patient care. One senior nurse from the county, who took part in the training, said they "never realised the true impact outdoors can have on an individual and team level"."[I] hope to see it being prescribed in the future as a treatment for certain health problems," they continued.
The course, which is spread over five months and carries a formal training accreditation, suits professionals who support children, young people and adults. This includes social and youth workers, therapists and those working in family support, Natural England said. Some 36 NHS staff in Sussex have done the course since 2023.
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