In a first-of-its kind study, researchers have estimated the value to people’s wellbeing and Scotland’s economy of outdoor green spaces in hospitals, GP surgeries and health centres used by staff, patients and their families, and the public.

Commissioned by Public Health Scotland (PHS) and SEFARI Gateway, the research has estimated the health benefits of outdoor spaces also save health boards money.

Over the course of last year, the University of Aberdeen team surveyed 2,449 adults across all fourteen regional NHS Scotland health boards about their use of green spaces at NHS sites.  

Researchers emphasise that these spaces are “crucial” for public health and wellbeing as well as environmental sustainability. 

They found that people spend roughly 87 million hours annually in NHS outdoor spaces and, using economic analysis, equated this to £81.9m savings a year, the cost of providing the same benefits through health services. 

Dr Neil Chalmers, Health Economist at Public Health Scotland, said:  

“Half of NHS Scotland’s estates comprise of outdoor green spaces with park-like vegetation such as grass and trees. These areas are well frequented for walking and relaxing, with our research estimating that approximately half the population visited an NHS Scotland open space in the past year, leading to a total of 122 million estimated annual visits.   

“This has a real impact on the mental and physical health of those who visit these areas, as well as a positive knock-on effect on NHS services that can now be visualised in cost savings.  

“This research underlines the importance of maintaining quality and accessible outdoor green spaces on the NHS estate in Scotland, so that everyone in society can continue to benefit from them.” 

The study captured both the obvious physical benefits of exercise-based engagement and the wider health and wellbeing benefits of exposure-based engagement with outdoor spaces. 

Within the survey, people who visited the NHS spaces were asked about their experience using outdoor spaces, benefits they felt and the value they placed on these sites.

The researchers found that in addition to supporting physical and mental health, outdoor spaces at NHS Scotland sites ‘offer value simply by being pleasant and accessible places for people to enjoy.’  

When this broader value is factored in by the researchers, these spaces are estimated to be worth around £125 per adult each year at health centres, and £146 per adult each year at hospitals.   

Lead researcher Dr Luis Loria-Rebolledo, Research Fellow in the University of Aberdeen’s Health Economics Research Unit said: 

“As the first study of its kind anywhere in the world, our research highlights the significant value of NHS Scotland’s open spaces, not only for their role in enhancing mental and physical health, but also in promoting social well-being and environmental sustainability.   

“These spaces are crucial for improving public health, offering people places to relax, recover, and exercise.   

“We believe these findings will be instrumental in shaping how NHS outdoor spaces are designed, maintained, and used across Scotland. Just as importantly, they offer valuable lessons that can be applied in healthcare settings around the world.” 

Charles Bestwick, Director of SEFARI Gateway, the organisation for Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions, said that calculating the monetary value also helps with planning and managing the NHS estate. 

He added that alongside providing “significant health benefits”, NHS Scotland’s green spaces can contribute to net zero targets and Scotland’s biodiversity strategy. 

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