Stratheden Outdoor Gym

Stratheden Hospital near Cupar is a psychiatric hospital, caring for adults across eight inpatient wards.

The benefits of physical exercise in improving mental health are well-established and Stratheden Hospital already offers a range of opportunities for physical activity and exercise through the physiotherapy department, with the existing indoor gym an integral part of helping patients to manage their conditions and supporting their rehabilitation. 

The COVID-19 pandemic limited the opportunities for inpatients at the hospital to make use of the indoor gym facilities due to the necessity for physical distancing and enhanced infection prevention measures in enclosed spaces.

The new gym has been built in an area of the hospital grounds which provide ease of access for patients across the hospital, and where footfall is maximised to encourage opportunistic activity and help to establish long-term lifestyle changes that benefit patients physical and mental wellbeing.  A wide-range of outdoor gym equipment has been made available to ensure there are activities suitable for everyone, regardless of fitness or experience.

The project was made possible thanks to a £40,000 grant from the Fife Health Charity using funds received from NHS Charities Together to help alleviate the impact of the pandemic.