NHS
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust partnered with Fresh Air Fitness to install multi-site outdoor gyms at Churchill Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital and Horton General Hospital, supporting staff wellbeing across one of the UK’s largest NHS teaching trusts.
Designed for busy healthcare professionals working long, high-pressure shifts, each site features a durable 10-piece outdoor gym that enables quick, effective workouts and provides free, 24/7 access to safe, inclusive exercise spaces.
Described as a ‘world renowned centre of clinical excellence and one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the UK,’ Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) is an NHS Foundation Trust which was established in October in 2015.
The Trust is made up of high-quality hospitals which provide a wide range of clinical services and, as part of a staff wellbeing initiative, they reached out to Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gym experts to design, install and support a multi-site outdoor gym installation, across three of its hospital locations.
Churchill Hospital, John Ratcliff and Horton Hill were the chosen Hospital sites. The Churchill Hospital is a centre of excellence for cancer services and other specialities. The hospital, together with nearby John Radcliffe Hospital, is a major centre for healthcare research. The Horton General Hospital in Banbury, is a district general hospital serving North Oxfordshire and surrounding areas since 1872. It operates as a training hospital with specialised clinical services, a day case unit, and close links to Oxford teaching hospitals, including medical education and nursing training.
For NHS staff in training, regular exercise is a crucial component for wellbeing. Medical training is characterised by high-intensity work, long hours, often sleep deprivation, and a high level of emotional pressure, which means exercise, and particularly exercise in the fresh air, is very important. This is why the Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) felt it so essential to offer an outdoor exercise provision for all staff to use for free.
Administratively, this project required extensive coordination to ensure that the installations met the site-specific requirements and goals, and our team was delighted to draw on its many years of expertise to coordinate the plan across several different NHS departments.
In practical terms, trainee doctors and nurses often work long shifts, including nights and unpredictable rotas which can create a barrier to exercise.
The ideal selection of outdoor gym equipment had to support quick circuits, easy transitions between exercises, and provide clear instructions so busy students could enjoy a workout session (either long or short!) that fits around their complicated schedules.
Each site received a diverse 10-piece, outdoor gym equipment package, which was chosen due to its balance of both scalable functional strength and ‘stressbusting’, cardio training options.
Each outdoor gym zone provided a safe and inclusive space for all staff to enjoy and can be accessed 24/7 year-round thanks to its robust materials and durable grass mat surfacing.
The package included the following:
• Recumbent Bike
• Elliptical Cross Trainer
• Combi: Pull Down and Chest Press
• Double Sit Up Benches
• Accessible Arm and Pedal Bike
• Seated Leg Press
• Double Air Walker
• Air Skier
• Twist & Step
• Resistance Squat Station
Each site was also given an EN16630 compliant Facility Sign.
At Fresh Air Fitness, we have installed over 5000 outdoor gyms nationwide.
Our dedicated staff handle the site consultation, recommendations on surfacing, advice on selecting equipment and showcasing our packages and special offers as well as the smooth running of installation day and annual inspections if required, to ensure that the equipment is kept to an excellent standard.
Our UK warehouse ensures that, on the rare occasion that a spare is needed, it can be with a site quickly and efficiently.
0 For more examples of exciting Fresh Air Fitness outdoor gym installations in NHS and MHT settings visit: NHS Success Stories
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You can also speak to one of our expert team on 01483 608 860.
