Path of Positivity
The Path of Positivity at RJAH
The Path of Positivity is a wonderful addition to the RJAH grounds, offering staff, patients, and visitors a serene space to connect with nature, boost their wellbeing, and enjoy the outdoors.
The Path of Positivity has had a profound impact on patients and staff, offering a versatile space for physical rehabilitation, emotional wellbeing, and meaningful social connection.
The Inspiration Behind the Path
The idea for the Path of Positivity was first proposed in 2019 by Kate Betts, Therapy Associate Practitioner for the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries.
Kate noticed the RJAH field’s potential as a valuable resource but also recognised its challenges, such as uneven terrain and limited accessibility. She envisioned a safe and inviting path that could be enjoyed by all.
After gaining approval in June 2019, the project progressed with the support of the RJAH League of Friends and funding from NHS Charities Together.
Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the path was officially completed in July 2021 and has since become a cherished feature of the hospital grounds.
Patient Stories & Comments
Jamie’s Story
Jamie, a patient on the MCSI ward, spent months in recovery and looked forward to visits from his wife and two young children. While the ward garden provided a space for visits, Jamie often felt on edge trying to keep his children quiet and mindful of other patients.
When Jamie discovered the Path of Positivity during a physiotherapy session, it changed everything. On their next visit, he brought his family to the path, where his children could run freely while he and his wife enjoyed uninterrupted time together. Jamie shared:
“It felt great just to be a normal family. The boys ran around like lunatics, and I could shout encouragement at them. My wife and I had the chance to talk openly and honestly about the future. It felt like being in our local park—just enjoying time together."
The path became a space where Jamie’s family could reconnect without the stress of interrupting others or being confined to smaller areas.
Other Feedback from Patients
Patients recovering from surgery or injury have found the Path of Positivity invaluable for their rehabilitation. The combination of outdoor surroundings, varied terrain, and peaceful atmosphere offers unique benefits beyond traditional clinical settings. It’s more than just a walkway; it’s a space for real progress, reflection, and reconnection with the world outside the hospital.
One patient told us, ‘I’d forgotten what it’s like to walk outside. It’s hard work, but it’s amazing.’ For many, the path is their first experience of moving freely outdoors after weeks or months spent inside. The simple act of walking—pacing themselves, navigating the terrain—feels rewarding and gives them a renewed sense of achievement and motivation.
Another patient shared, ‘I love the slopes—it helps me practice walking with crutches in a real-life setting.’ The path’s thoughtful design, with gentle slopes and uneven surfaces, allows patients to practice essential skills for daily life. Whether they’re using crutches, prosthetics, a wheelchair or walking sticks, they’re preparing for the challenges of real-world mobility, and they’re doing it in a safe and supportive environment.
And then there’s the healing power of nature. One patient said, ‘The fresh air and nature make such a difference. It’s peaceful and doesn’t feel like a hospital.’ Being surrounded by trees, wildlife, and open sky lifts spirits in a way no ward or therapy room can replicate. Patients have told us how seeing rabbits and squirrels while practicing their walking turns therapy into something more enjoyable, more meaningful.
And then there’s the empowerment and independence the path offers to wheelchair users. One patient said, ‘The path has been a game-changer for me. It’s given me the chance to practice navigating gradients and turning corners, building the strength and stamina I’ll need when I leave the hospital.’ Completing a full lap of the path on their own was a moment of immense pride, something they never thought they’d be able to achieve. The path transforms rehabilitation into a source of confidence and accomplishment.
Staff Experiences
Staff members from across RJAH have embraced the path as a place to recharge, reflect, and connect:
- Walking Meetings: "The path is a brilliant space for walking meetings. It sparks ideas and gets us moving."
- Lunch Breaks: "I eat lunch there as often as I can. It’s peaceful, there are no distractions, and I go back feeling refreshed."
- Mask-Free Time: "During COVID, it was one of the few places we could safely take off our masks. That fresh air made all the difference."
- De-stress Walks: "If you're feeling overwhelmed, a quick lap around the path clears your head."
