This study explores the feasibility of Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital, situated in the Dyfi Biosphere in Mid Wales, integrating outdoor heath and nature-based wellbeing alongside its clinical care.
The study was undertaken by Coed Lleol/Small Woods in partnership with local development trust, Ecodyfi, and it was led by a Steering Group of key local and regional stakeholders. It was funded by the UK Government and Powered by Levelling Up, through the Shared Prosperity Fund, managed by Powys County Council.
The policy landscape is increasingly pointing towards more joined-up approaches across sectors, with a focus on sustainability and preventative approaches, including green social prescribing.
The need for this study emerged at the end of the three-year Trywydd Iach / Outdoor Health Network project that provided outdoor activities on prescription in the area, with one of the key recommendations to engage further with one healthcare location to build an exemplar site. Feedback form hospital staff and the Patients Forum suggested a need for and a willingness to take this forward with the Bro Ddyfi
Community Hospital.
This report is relevant to stakeholders who took part in this study, decision makers and practitioners at the Community Hospital, outdoor health activity providers and individuals and organisations involved more widely in implementing preventative and alternative models of healthcare.
Summary of findings - download
