Why Green Colour Used in Hospital: The Science, Psychology, and Benefits
Why Green Colour Used in Hospital? From walls to curtains and even the scrubs of medical staff, green plays a major role. But have you ever wondered why green colour is used in hospital settings more than other colours? It is not just about style or decoration. The choice of green is based on deep psychological, medical, and scientific reasons.
In this article, we’ll explore the many reasons why green is preferred in hospitals. You’ll learn how this colour supports healing, improves patient mood, and helps doctors perform better. We’ll also include examples, benefits, and a comparison with other hospital
What Makes Green Special?
Green is a color that is found in nature. It reminds us of trees, grass, and forests. This natural link makes green soothing for the eyes and calming for the mind. It brings peace and balance, which are very important in healthcare settings.
Unlike bright like red or orange, green does not excite the brain. Instead, it helps the body and mind relax. This makes green perfect for hospitals, where stress levels are often high.
Psychological Benefits of Green in Hospitals
Green has strong effects on the human mind. It is often linked with safety, healing, growth, and peace. When patients see green, they feel more relaxed and less anxious. This is especially helpful for those who are scared of treatments or surgery.
Key Emotional Effects of Green:
| Emotion Triggered | How Green Helps |
|---|---|
| Anxiety | Calms the nervous system |
| Fear | Creates a sense of safety |
| Depression | Connects with nature, brings hope |
| Stress | Slows heart rate, reduces blood pressure |
Green Helps Medical Staff Perform Better
Green is not just good for patients. It also benefits doctors and nurses. In operating rooms, surgeons wear green scrubs and caps. This is done to reduce eye strain and improve focus during surgery.
Bright lights and red blood can overwhelm the eyes. Green helps balance the vision and makes it easier to see clearly. This is a big reason why green is used in surgical environments.
How Green Supports Medical Staff:
| Area | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Operation Theatres | Reduces eye fatigue |
| Long Shifts | Helps keep staff mentally fresh |
| Monitoring Patients | Keeps focus sharp, lowers distractio |
Physical Benefits of Green Colour
Studies show that green can actually help the body. It lowers the heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. These changes can improve recovery and comfort for patients.
Green lights are also used in some therapies. For example, green lighting is tested for helping patients with migraines or sleep problems
Where Green Is Used in Hospitals
Hospitals use green in many ways. Some use light green on walls, others use deep green in staff uniforms or patient gowns. The use of green depends on the function of the space.
Common Places Where Green Is Used:
| Hospital Area | Type of Green Used | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Rooms | Light green walls | Creates calm and comfort |
| Operating Theatres | Dark green scrubs | Reduces glare, eye strain |
| Waiting Areas | Soft green chairs | Helps visitors stay relaxed |
| Emergency Rooms | Balanced tones | Calms both patients and doctors |
| Pediatric Wards | Green with accents | Makes space child-friendly |
Green vs Other Hospital Colours
Hospitals often use a combination of colours, but green is preferred for key reasons. Here’s how it compares to other commonly used colours.
Colour Comparison Table:
| Colour | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Calms nerves, reduces eye strain | Can look dull if overused |
| Blue | Promotes trust, lowers blood pressure | Can feel cold or distant |
| White | Clean and sterile feel | Can be too bright and cause anxiety |
| Yellow | Cheerful, good for pediatric units | Not ideal for all areas, causes eye strain |
| Red | Stimulates alertness | Raises blood pressure, not calming |
Real-Life Examples of Green Use in Hospitals
Several well-known hospitals use green strategically:
- Cleveland Clinic (USA): Uses soft green in recovery areas to help with patient comfort.
- Rigshospitalet (Denmark): Uses light green walls in pediatric oncology to calm children.
- AIIMS (India): Uses green scrubs in surgical wards for visual comfort and hygiene.
These examples show that green is not just a trend. It’s a tested approach to improve healthcare environments.
Historical Background: Why Did Hospitals Start Using Green?
In the early 20th century, hospitals used mostly white because it symbolized cleanliness. But doctors started facing problems like eye strain and visual fatigue during long surgeries.
By the 1910s, hospitals began using green in operating rooms because it was the opposite of red on the color wheel. This helped balance vision and reduce the visual impact of blood during operations.
Scientific Backing for Green in Medical Spaces
Medical studies support the use of green in healthcare. Here are some key findings:
- Study by American Psychological Association: Patients exposed to green surroundings showed faster recovery rates.
- Research on Colour and Healing: Green tones reduced the time it took for surgical patients to stabilize.
- Neuroscience Studies: Green light can influence hormone levels like cortisol, which controls stress.
These facts support why green is not just a choice—it’s a helpful tool in healthcare.
Green in Modern Hospital Design
Modern hospitals now focus more on design and patient experience. Green is part of a new trend called “healing architecture.” This approach includes:
- Natural lighting
- Green walls (living plant walls)
- Green colours in flooring, furniture, and walls
Hospitals are now designed to heal both the body and mind, and green plays a big role in that.
Pediatric Hospitals and Green Colour
Children’s hospitals use green mixed with brighter colours like yellow or blue. This combination creates a friendly and less scary environment for kids.
Examples:
- Reina Sofia Hospital (Spain): Uses forest themes in green tones.
- Sant Joan de Due Hospital (Spain): Combines green with cartoons and murals for children.
This approach helps reduce fear and improves the hospital experience for children and their parents.
Environmental and Sustainable Benefits
Green colour is also symbolic. It connects with ideas of sustainability, nature, and environmental health. Many eco-friendly hospitals use green to highlight their green building practices.
For example, green-coloured walls may also include plant-based or low-VOC paints, which are safer for health and the environment.
Future Trends: Smart Green Hospitals
As technology grows, we may see smart lighting systems that change colors based on time or patient needs. Green lighting may be used more in recovery rooms or intensive care units to improve sleep and healing.
The future of hospital design will likely continue to use green in more intelligent and responsive ways.
Is green really better than blue in hospitals?
Green is more calming and relaxing than blue, which can sometimes feel cold. Both are good, but green is better for patient rooms and surgical areas.
Does green help patients heal faster?
Yes, studies show that green can reduce stress and anxiety, helping the body recover more quickly.
Is green good for children in hospitals?
Yes, green creates a natural and calm setting. When combined with playful elements, it helps children feel safe and happy.
Conclusion
Green is not just a colour in hospitals. It is a healing tool. It calms patients, supports medical staff, and improves the overall hospital experience. From reducing stress to helping surgeons focus better, green plays a major role in modern healthcare.
The use of green is backed by science, psychology, and history. Whether you’re designing a hospital or simply curious, understanding why green colour used in hospital can help you see how colour can truly make a difference.
