Imelda Hospital in Bonheiden is transforming intensive care by launching Belgium’s first rooftop sun terrace for ICU patients. Slated for completion in May 2025, this pioneering space will provide fresh air, natural light, and full medical support—bringing healing outdoors for the first time in Belgian healthcare.
Healing Under the Sun: Imelda Hospital Builds Belgium’s First ICU Rooftop Terrace
In a groundbreaking move for patient care, Imelda Hospital in Bonheiden is set to open Belgium’s first sun terrace designed specifically for ICU patients. Scheduled for completion by early May 2025, the new rooftop facility will allow critically ill patients to access the outdoors—without compromising on their medical needs.
A First in Belgian Healthcare
Intensive Care Units are typically closed-off, clinical environments, making it difficult for patients to access fresh air or natural light—both essential for emotional and physical recovery. Nurses have long attempted to take patients outside, but the need for complex life-support equipment makes this extremely challenging.
Recognising this, Imelda Hospital is creating a fully equipped ICU rooftop terrace, ensuring that patients can step outside while still receiving full medical support.
“The medical equipment is moved outside,”
— Facility Director Stefan Clays
A Therapeutic Oasis in the Sky
Facility Director Stefan Clays explains that exposure to natural light, fresh air, and a calm environment can significantly boost patient morale, reduce anxiety, and even accelerate healing. The terrace will provide a peaceful, controlled space for ICU patients to enjoy the outdoors safely, while remaining connected to essential monitoring systems and machines.
“The terrace is a way to combine nature with high-quality medical care,” Clays emphasized.
Ready for Summer Recovery
Designed with the warmer months in mind, the terrace is expected to be in use by May 2025, allowing patients to benefit from outdoor therapy throughout the summer. The hospital envisions it as a tranquil space, supporting not just physical healing, but emotional and psychological recovery too.
Setting a New Standard
This initiative marks a milestone in Belgian healthcare, and could pave the way for similar projects across Europe. By blending cutting-edge medical care with the restorative power of nature, Imelda Hospital is reimagining what recovery can look like—not just within four walls, but under open skies.