|
|
 |
Integrative approach evident at all SHS facilities
The integrative approach is honored at all SHS facilities. At Samaritan Regional Cancer Center in Corvallis, for example, patients awaiting radiation treatment can sit in a light-filled room filled with the soft, calming sounds of water falling over a beautiful structure designed by local artist John Anderson. They can look out the window onto an outdoor garden, with water bubbling over tiny rocks and fish swimming in gurgling pools. One wall of the center features hand-painted tiles – some with inspirational words or images – created by patients, families, and staff members. Cancer patients also have access to massage, guided imagery and other modalities available through Heartspring Wellness Center.
Wiley Creek Community
At Wiley Creek Community in Sweet Home and Heart of the Valley Health Care Center in Corvallis, residents can run their trowels and hands in the nurturing earth of specially-designed raised garden beds. From early spring to late fall, residents can nudge new life from the soil, even as they fill their own lives with productivity and joy. The outdoor gardens are modeled on a nationally-recognized approach, which also calls for a few community pets to provide unconditional companionship, and ceiling skylights or other light sources to reflect the sunny warmth needed to grow indoor plants and flowers. Heart of the Valley residents also receive regular visits from the “Welcome Waggers” therapy dogs, who are specially trained to share the gift of touch and affection at schools, senior care centers and other community centers.
Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital
At Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, patients and their guests can stroll or sit in either of two professionally-landscaped courtyards. Each overflows with the fragrant bounty of the seasons and is meant to be a place of solace and comfort. In one of the courtyards, patients can enjoy whimsical and beautiful sculptures designed by local artist Heitho Reuter. Each sculpture honors community residents who have given generously to the hospital’s foundation. Also recognizing donor generosity and providing visual beauty for both patients and guests is the hospital’s beveled, stained glass “donor recognition wall.” Plans are now underway for a unique and peaceful Japanese garden in a central area of the hospital, in conjunction with the expansion of the Health Career Center at the hospital.
Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital
At Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, in Newport, work was recently completed on a labyrinth. Recognized by many cultures as a “walking path of healing,” the labyrinth was built by David Tolzmann with Patio Pros of Eugene. The 26-foot labyrinth, constructed of pavers, is located in the hospital’s central courtyard. The surrounding garden has been redesigned to become a meditative space of healing, in memory of Dr. James Ryan, longtime general surgeon at the hospital. Memorial walkways and garden benches further enhance the meditative space.
Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital
Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City is designing a healing garden that is expected to be completed in spring 2004. The garden is situated near Home Health/Hospice, where the Infusion Clinic is also located, and will provide visual beauty for patients and families using a variety of hospital services. In addition, the hospital’s central dining area features a beautiful hand-painted mural that covers one entire wall and helps transport visitors to an outdoor garden. The hospital auxiliary also works with local photographers to provide ongoing photo art displays within the hospital.
Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center
The Center for Women and Families at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center is designed in soft, muted colors and contains birthing rooms large enough and comfortable enough to accommodate dads or other support persons. Each suite also offers home-like amenities and whirlpool comfort to make the birthing experience positive and loving. The hospital itself features a large hand-painted mural and hand-painted tile wall on the patio of the central dining area (Hill Top Café), and soothing gardens outside of Samaritan Regional Mental Health and the Ralph Hull Regional Heart Center.
Samaritan Albany General Hospital
From the second floor of Samaritan Albany General Hospital, soothing music can sometimes be heard by patients and visitors alike. The melodies come from the hospital’s piano, which is used to bring comfort to others. The Women’s Imaging Center also caters to the emotional and aesthetic needs of its patients. Its waiting and screening rooms are designed to promote calm, stress-free environments. The hospital has a healing environment committee, which is looking at additional ways to help patients.
|
|
back to top
