Integrating Nature Into Healthcare

Consistently rated as the No. 1 hospital in the world, Mayo Clinic is focused on solving the world’s toughest medical problems. As part of this focus, the organization has embraced the role the natural environment plays in overall health and well-being. They have been recognized for the past two years as a Tree Campus Healthcare organization, and you can see this dedication to trees across Mayo’s campuses in Rochester, Minnesota.

Mayo Clinic recognizes the true healing benefits of trees. At their Saint Mary’s campus, the Saint Francis Peace Garden offers patients and their families a serene space to enhance healing and reduce stress. Recently renovated, this garden prioritizes immersion in nature, providing a peaceful retreat for those in need.

Trees also play a crucial role in reducing urban heat. At one of the Mayo Clinic courtyards, reflective panels on a parking garage were amplifying heat, scorching plants and flowers. By planting trees along these panels, the grounds crew not only provided shade but also reduced the heat reflection, increasing plant survivability and making the space more comfortable for people.

The patient experience is Mayo Clinic’s top priority. During the holidays, decorated trees bring joy to families enduring long hospital stays, especially children battling serious illnesses. Beyond mental health benefits, trees contribute to a more positive and comforting environment.

In a courtyard adjacent to a road and parking garage, trees have been planted to protect the privacy of psychiatric patients. As these trees grow, they will form a visual barrier, allowing patients to use the space without concerns about their privacy.

The health benefits of trees extend to healthcare professionals as well. Mayo Clinic refreshed a space exclusively for staff to connect with nature and each other. A new gazebo surrounded by growing trees will eventually become a shaded sanctuary, providing much-needed stress relief for doctors, nurses, and other staff members.

Mayo Clinic has also incorporated nature into its architecture and design. In 2019, the Children’s Center was redesigned with a focus on nature as a safe harbor for children. This design utilizes the healing powers of nature to inspire hope and contribute to the health and well-being of young patients.

Recognizing the importance of nature in healthcare, some Mayo Clinic doctors have started prescribing nature to their patients, similar to how they would prescribe medication. This innovative approach underscores Mayo Clinic’s commitment to transforming healthcare by integrating the benefits of trees and nature into their treatment plans.

The future vision for Mayo Clinic includes a significant expansion in downtown Rochester. The new campus has been designed to integrate nature into patient and staff spaces, including through innovative “winter gardens” on multiple levels so that nature can be enjoyed even from several stories off the ground. 

Mayo Clinic’s dedication to incorporating trees and nature into its healing spaces is a testament to their leadership in healthcare innovation, demonstrating how the natural environment can play a vital role in patient care and overall well-being.