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| Plantree Founded in San Francisco in 1978, Planetree is a non-profit organization dedicated to personalizing and demystifying the healthcare experience and creating patient-centered care in healing environments. The Planetree model empowers patients and families through information and education and encourages "healing partnerships" with caregivers. Symbolized by the sycamore tree (plane tree) under which Hippocrates taught medicine, Planetree’s holistic approach encompasses healing in all dimensions. Warren Memorial Hospital is committed to the Planetree philosophy of patient-centered, personalized care. It has been a major influence in enhancing the way healthcare services are provided and inspires staff throughout the hospital to remain focused on improving healthcare from the patient’s perspective. Since becoming a Planetree affiliate in 1999, Warren Memorial Hospital has made changes to create a more healing environment, including serving meals at the patient’s bedside; the creation of a gathering room, kitchen and dining room for use by patients and families; a healing garden; aquariums, fountains, and plants in patient care areas; and soothing overhead music throughout the hospital. Family and friends are encouraged to be involved in their loved one’s care; there are no formal visiting hours. Patients can substitute the artwork in their room if they choose, and their pets may even visit them during their hospital stay. Volunteers bake cookies and other aromatic treats in the kitchens available for patient and family use. With a physician’s order, staff massage therapists provide massage for patients. The therapists also offer complimentary postpartum massage for new mothers and hand, neck and shoulder massages for residents of the hospital’s long-term care facility. All of these elements help create a healing environment and enhance patient care. The American Association of Retired Persons recognized Warren Memorial Hospital as one of 15 “Hospitals with Heart” in the July/August 2001 issue of Modern Maturity. The hospital was chosen in part for its patient-centered model of care. Warren Memorial had the distinction of being the only hospital in Virginia to make the magazine’s list. For more information on the Planetree philosophy visit www.planetree.org. | |
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