In a conversation with Clean India Journal, Anju Panwar, Housekeeping Professional, speaks over the course of a professional journey spanning more than two decades across luxury hospitality and healthcare, “I have learnt that the environment we create has a powerful influence on the way people feel.”
In luxury hospitality, we design spaces that make guests feel comfortable, valued and cared for. In healthcare, the responsibility is even greater. A hospital is not merely a place where medical treatment takes place; it is an environment where patients and families arrive during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Every aspect of that environment — from cleanliness and comfort to lighting, greenery and overall ambience — contributes to the patient experience.
While medical expertise, technology and treatment remain at the heart of recovery, we are increasingly recognising that healing is influenced by much more than clinical care alone. A calm, positive and supportive environment can provide reassurance, reduce anxiety and create a sense of hope.
From IC to Emotional Care
The pandemic transformed the way we viewed healthcare environments. Hygiene, infection prevention and safety became critical priorities, and housekeeping teams emerged as an essential part of patient care.
Our role expanded beyond maintaining cleanliness and operational excellence. We became responsible for creating spaces where patients, families and healthcare teams felt safe and supported during an extremely challenging period.
The experience led us to reflect on a larger question: can a hospital environment do more than support treatment? Can it become a part of the healing process itself?
This thought encouraged us to explore the connection between nature and healthcare.
Nature has always had a calming influence on human beings. A sign of greenery, natural light entering a room, or simply spending a few quiet moments surrounded by plants can have a positive impact on our emotional well-being.
For patients recovering from illnesses, undergoing treatments or spending extended periods inside hospital rooms, these small interactions with nature can provide comfort and positivity.
This understanding forms the foundation of biophilic design an approach that brings elements of nature into built environments to create spaces that support physical and emotional well-being.
The idea is not only about adding plants or creating gardens. It is about designing environments that reconnect people with nature through greenery, natural materials, light, views, sounds and sensory experiences.
Healing begins not only with medicine, but with an environment that brings comfort, hope and the calming presence of nature” — ANJU PANWAR Housekeeping Professional
Bringing Nature Closer to Patients
I have always focused on strengthening horticulture practices and maintaining BEAUTIFUL, EYE SOOTHING environment so that deeper connection between patients and nature can take place.
Instead of expecting patients to step outside to experience nature, why not bring nature closer to them?
This thought led to the creation of a terrace garden connected to areas where patients are resting and can see directly through the windows.
The objective is simple, to create a space where patients, attendants and healthcare teams could experience moments of calm and connection amidst their hospital journey.
Creating a garden within a healthcare environment requires thoughtful planning. Unlike conventional gardens, every element must consider patient safety, hygiene standards, accessibility and maintenance requirements.
From selecting suitable plants and designing the layout to ensuring proper cleaning protocols and regular upkeep, every aspect needs to be planned to ensure that the garden complemented the hospital’s clinical environment.
The purpose is to create a visually appealing space but to create a healing environment.
Silent Partner in Healing
Housekeeping in healthcare has evolved significantly. Today, it is not just about maintaining cleanliness; it is about creating experiences that communicate care and confidence.
A well-maintained patient room, fresh linen, organised surroundings, effective hygiene practices and thoughtfully maintained green spaces all contributes to how patients perceive their care journey.
My experience in luxury hospitality taught me that small details often create the biggest impact. The same principle applies to healthcare. A clean and green environment can provide emotional reassurance to a patient who may already be experiencing stress and uncertainty.
Post-pandemic, patients and families have become more conscious of the spaces they enter. They expect hospitals to offer not only advanced medical facilities but also comfort, compassion and a human touch.
Nature plays a pivotal role in creating this balance.
Where Healthcare Meets Hospitality
Having worked across both luxury hospitality and healthcare, I believe there is a valuable opportunity for these two sectors to learn from each other.
Hospitality brings expertise in creating personalised experiences, attention to detail and emotional connection. Healthcare brings clinical excellence, safety and scientific expertise.
When these approaches come together, they create healthcare spaces that are not only efficient but also compassionate.
The future of hospitals will not only be defined by medical innovation and technology but also by how effectively we create environments that support the overall well-being of patients.
Creating Spaces That Heal
The terrace garden initiative represents more than just an addition to hospital infrastructure. It represents a shift in thinking and recognising that healing is a complete experience involving the mind, body and environment.
A hospital room provides treatment, but the surroundings provide comfort. Medical interventions address illness, but a positive environment supports recovery.
After more than two decades of working in service-oriented environments, I have understood that every individual whether a hotel guest or a hospital patient wants to feel cared for, respected and valued.
By integrating nature into healthcare spaces, we are not simply creating greener surroundings; we are creating more compassionate healing environments.
Because sometimes, healing begins with something as simple as sunlight entering a room, the sight of a green leaf or a quiet moment spent reconnecting with nature.
And that is the true power of designing spaces not only for treatment, but for healing.