News Releases

Derby, CT (April 11, 2012) - Griffin Hospital recently donated more than $2,000 to Spooner House in Shelton to help stock the shelter’s food bank. 

Kim Hall, Sr. Applicatio​ns Coordinato​r and Co-organiz​er of Griffin Hospital's Spring Basket Raffle (center) presents the proceeds from the raffle to Susan Agamy, Executive Director of Spooner House, along with Robin Kudasik, Planetree Programs and Services Assistant and raffle co-organiz​er, and volunteers Rem Skidmore, Jr. and Clarence Canfield (far right). Griffin Hospital raised the donation through its Spring Basket Raffle in which hospital departments put together baskets for the special fundraising effort.

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DERBY, CT (April 6, 2012) -  Griffin Hospital is offering individuals an opportunity to help relieve stress for their loved ones and hospital patients through a Soft Touch workshop from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28.

Soft Touch is a therapeutic, relaxing and gentle rub that can be given to an individual's hands, feet, or back. Griffin Hospital offers the therapy to patients and their caregivers as a way to reduce their anxiety, pain and stress.

Taught by a Griffin Hospital nurse who is also a licensed massage therapist, this basic-level training includes a demonstration of various Soft Touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice. There are no prerequisites to attend the workshop and it is open to the public. The workshop cost $25 for the general public, but is free to Griffin Hospital employees and volunteers.

The deadline for registration...

DERBY, CT (January 20, 2012) - Griffin Hospital is offering area residents an opportunity to learn Reiki -- a body, mind, and spirit approach to medicine and healing -- at a special Reiki Level 1 Workshop from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Wednesday, March 7 at the hospital.

Reiki is a complementary healing modality based on ancient healing practices. It involves the conscious direction of healing energy -- through the practitioner's hands -- to the patient. When channeled properly, this energy promotes healing by relieving energy blockages to the body. The practice of Reiki is intended to bring balance to the energy fields thereby promoting healing on all levels.

Instructors Eileen Carino, RN-BC, BS, ADS, Reiki Master, and Joanne Halstead, RN, BSN, MS of ED, LMT, will teach the basic concepts of Reiki, allowing ample time for hands-on practice.  The workshop is open to all individuals interested in becoming Reiki practitioners.

The Level 1 Reiki Workshop cost is $50, which includes a Reiki book, but $25 of the cost will be refunded to those who sign up to become a Griffin Hospital volunteer and provide a minimum of 100 hours of Reiki at the hospital within one year of the workshop date.

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DERBY, CT (December 28, 2011) - Griffin Hospital will offer a free four-week nutrition course beginning Wednesday, January 18. The free course, "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Nutrition, But Were Afraid to Ask," will be held over four sessions, January 18 and 25, and February 1 and 8 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, 350 Seymour Avenue, Derby.

This groundbreaking series of fun, informative classes is taught by registered dietician and exercise physiologist Samantha Heller, a nationally known nutrition expert who regularly appears on television and radio programs such as Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, the CBS Early Show, and Doctor Radio on Sirius XM.

Participants will learn about a variety of nutrition topics, including how to:

Reach and maintain a healthy weight...

Derby, CT (December 8, 2011) - Griffin Hospital will donate the proceeds of its "Holiday Wonderland of Trees" fundraiser to Spooner House to help feed area families in need this holiday season.  The Holiday Wonderland of Trees, currently located in the hospital connector just past the main lobby, is comprised of 29 three-foot trees, each of which was decorated by a hospital department for the special fundraising effort. 

Tickets ($1 each or 10 for $15) for a chance to win the tree(s) of your choice are on sale now until December 15, and can be purchased from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Monday - Friday at the hospital. Winners will be notified after a special drawing that will take place at the hospital's December...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DERBY, CT (November 21, 2011) - Dan Tuccio, Physician Support Specialist, and Marya Chaisson, MD, co-chair of Griffin Hospital's Patient Centered Care Council, were named recipients of 2011 Spirit of Planetree Awards at the 2011 Planetree Annual Conference held October 30 - November 3, 2011, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Tuccio and Chaisson received the "Caregiver Award" and "Physician Champion Award, respectively, recognizing their personal embodiment of Griffin Hospital's patient-centered approach to providing care.  The awards were presented by Planetree President Susan B. Frampton in conjunction with the Planetree Annual Conference.

“The Spirit of Planetree Award Ceremony is always a highlight of our Annual Conference,” said Planetree President Susan B. Frampton. “At the heart of the Planetree model are the human interactions between patients and caregivers. With the Spirit of Planetree Awards, we celebrate individuals like Dan Tuccio and Dr. Marya Chaisson...

DERBY, CT - The Griffin Hospital Volunteer Department is offering a free basic level Soft Touch Workshop from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday, November 19.  The workshop will explain the basic concepts of Soft Touch, which is one of several Planetree components at Griffin Hospital that contribute to healing and creating an exceptional patient experience.

Workshop participants will be taught to provide “soft touch,” a therapeutic, relaxing and gentle rub that can be given to an individual's hands, feet, or back.  The training includes a demonstration of various soft touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice.

There are no pre-requisites to attend the workshop and it is being offered at no charge to the community.  Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged to ensure a spot. Workshop participants can register by phone at (203) 732-7555, or by e-mailing tbrister@griffinhealth.org.

Planetree...

DERBY, CT (October 25) - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will meet on Tuesday, November 8, at 6:30 pm in the hospital’s Dining Room Meeting Room. Guest speaker Samantha Heller, RD, Clinical Nutrition Coordinator at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, will present “Get Smart: Boosting Brain Power & Optimizing Total Body Health.”

Heller, an author and nationally known nutrition expert who regularly appears on television and radio programs such as Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, the CBS Early Show, and Doctor Radio on Sirius XM, will discuss a number recipes from her book, "Get Smart." Griffin Hospital Executive Chef Greg O’Gorman will be on hand to do a cooking demonstration and taste testing with the following recipes from the book:

Cauliflower & Butternut Squash Soup Vegetable...

DERBY, CT (October 21, 2011) - Griffin Hospital is joining Planetree, as well as hospitals and healthcare organizations around the world this October in commemorating the fifth annual Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Transforming the Health Care Experience through Patient and Family Engagement,” represents the significant organizational culture change and transformation to patient-centered care.

Recognizing statewide efforts to foster a patient-centered healthcare system, Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed a proclamation for Connecticut acknowledging Griffin Hospital and several other Connecticut Planetree members for their commitment to the Planetree values and approach to care.

The month-long celebration is sponsored and coordinated by Planetree, a not-for-profit organization based in Derby, Connecticut, partnering with health care organizations across the globe...

DERBY, CT - The Griffin Hospital Volunteer Department is offering a Basic-level Soft Touch workshop from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday, June 11. The workshop will explain the basic concepts of Soft Touch, which is one of several Planetree components at Griffin Hospital that contribute to creating an exceptional patient experience.

Workshop participants will be taught to provide patients with "soft touch," a therapeutic, relaxing and gentle rub that can be given to a patient's hands, feet, or back depending upon their condition and wishes. The training includes both a demonstration of various soft touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice.

There are no prerequisites to attend the workshop and it is open to the public. A workshop fee of $30 required, and early registration is encouraged to ensure a spot. Workshop...

DERBY, CT - Kim Hall, senior applications coordinator, Information Services, and Wes Valentine, RN, Evening Supervisor, Emergency Department, will share honors as the 2011-12 "Employees of the Year." The staff of the Center for Cancer Care/Radiation Oncology, was named "Department of the Year" at Griffin Hospital's annual Employee Recognition ceremony, held May 11 at the Crowne Plaza in Southbury.

Griffin Hospital CEO and President Patrick Charmel and Medical Staff President Paul Nussbaum, M.D. made the award announcements at the event, held each year during National Hospital Week, which recognizes employees and physicians for years of service and for outstanding performance.

In announcing the...

DERBY, CT - Griffin Hospital is offering a basic level Therapeutic Touch workshop in March for individuals interested in learning about this healing modality, and an intermediate level workshop in April for practitioners who want to enhance their Therapeutic Touch knowledge and skill. Both workshops are open to the public.

Therapeutic Touch is an energy healing modality that is derived from the ancient practice of laying on of hands. It has been taught to thousands of healthcare professionals and can help reduce pain and anxiety, expedite healing, and increase overall feelings of well-being.

The Basic-Level workshop, which will explain the basic concepts of Therapeutic Touch, will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 25. There are no prerequisites to attend.

The two-day Intermediate Level workshop, which will explore more advanced concepts of Therapeutic Touch, will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 1, and from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Completion of a Basic Level Therapeutic Touch workshop is required before taking this program.

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Griffin Hospital has earned The Joint Commission's "Gold Seal of Approval" for accreditation by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for health care quality and safety in hospitals. The accreditation award recognizes Griffin Hospital's dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission's state-of-the-art standards.

Griffin Hospital underwent a rigorous unannounced on-site survey in September 2010. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated Griffin Hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

"In achieving Joint Commission accreditation, Griffin Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients," says Mark Pelletier, R.N., M.S.,...

DERBY, CT - Griffin Hospital is offering area residents an opportunity to learn reiki, a body, mind, and spirit approach to medicine and healing, at a special Reiki Level 2 Workshop from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 21 at the hospital. Reiki Masters Eileen Carino, RN and Joanne Halstead, RN, BSN, MS of ED, LMT will teach the basic concepts of Reiki, allowing ample time for hands-on practice.

Reiki is a complementary healing modality based on ancient healing practices. It involves the conscious direction of healing energy -- through the practitioner's hands -- to the patient. When channeled properly, this energy promotes healing by relieving energy blockages to the body. The practice of Reiki is intended to bring balance to the energy fields thereby promoting healing on all levels.

The workshop is open to all individuals interested in becoming Level 2 Reiki practitioners (completion of a Level 1 Reiki workshop is a prerequisite). The cost is $60, which includes a reiki book, but $30 of the cost will be refunded to those who sign up to become a Griffin Hospital volunteer and provide a minimum of 100 hours of reiki at the hospital within one year of the workshop date.

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DERBY, CT - Griffin Hospital is one of three hospitals nationwide to be honored by the Planetree organization with its "2010 Distinction for Leadership and Innovation in Patient-Centered Care Award." The award recognizes Griffin for its work to continually advance the practice of patient-centered care through outreach, research, scholarship and innovation.

As one of only ten Planetree Designated Patient-Centered Hospitals in the United States, Griffin Hospital has already distinguished itself as among those hospitals across the country doing the most advanced work in patient-centered care, defined as an approach to care delivery in which providers partner with patients and their family members to identify and satisfy the full range of patient needs and preferences. Designated hospitals' performance on the nationally standardized HCAHPS patient experience survey suggest that their efforts to respond to the full range of patient needs...

DERBY, CT - The Griffin Hospital Volunteer Department is conducting a basic level Soft Touch Workshop from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday, July 31. The workshop will explain the basic concepts of Soft Touch, which is one of several Planetree components at Griffin Hospital that contribute to creating an exceptional patient experience, and provide time for hands-on practice.

Workshop participants will be taught to provide patients with soft touch, a therapeutic, relaxing and gentle rub that can be given to a patient's hands, feet, or back depending upon their condition and wishes.  The training includes both a demonstration of various soft touch techniques as well as opportunity for hands-on practice.

There are no pre-requisites to attend the workshop and it is open to the public. A workshop fee of $30 required, and early registration is encouraged as class size is limited.  Workshop participants can register online at...

The 5th Annual Community Health and Safety Fair For All Ages will take place on Saturday, May 22, from 10 am to 2 pm. at the Ansonia Armory, 5 North State St.  Sponsored by Griffin Hospital, the Valley Parish Nurse Program, Valley NAACP,  Valley YMCA, the City of Ansonia, and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Neighborhood Small Grants, the free event will feature a variety of activities including free cholesterol, diabetic, osteoporosis and blood pressure screening. It is open to the entire community. Attendees may park in the Assumption School lot.

In addition to the health screenings for adults and children, health and safety activities include child bike helmets and bike rodeo, the CHIPS (Childhood Identification) program, car seat checks and installation, health, wellness and safety display booths and educational materials, vision...

DERBY, CT - Griffin Hospital is offering area residents an opportunity to learn reiki, a body, mind, and spirit approach to medicine and healing, at a special Reiki Level-1 Workshop from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 24 at the hospital.

Instructors Eileen Carino, RN, Reiki Master, and Joanne Halstead, RN, BSN, MS of ED, LMT, will teach the basic concepts of Reiki, allowing ample time for hands-on practice.

Reiki, which is offered to the hospital's patients as part of Griffin Hospital's Planetree model of care, is a complementary healing modality based on ancient healing practices. It involves the conscious direction of healing energy -- through the practitioner's hands -- to the patient. When channeled properly, this energy promotes healing by relieving energy blockages to the body. The practice of Reiki is intended to...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DERBY, CT (February 10, 2010) - The Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) has granted Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation to the cancer program at Griffin Hospital.

The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital received the Three-Year Accreditation with Commendation following an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor, during which the Center demonstrated a Commendation level of compliance with one or more standards that represent the full scope of its cancer program (cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, and quality improvement).

"We are very pleased to receive this CoC Accreditation with Commendation, which recognizes the comprehensive model of care we have put in place at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital," said Marge Deegan, Vice President for Ambulatory Services. "The Center recently celebrated its first year of service to the community,...

DERBY, CT - It's just another wonderful part of the day at Griffin Hospital - the interaction between patients and the dedicated corps of room service volunteers. It would not be unusual to hear a room service volunteer asking patients if they would like to take advantage of a number of the many Planetree services at the hospital including a complementary soft touch massage, a therapeutic touch or reiki treatment, a visit by a therapy dog, a portable DVD player and some DVD's, or a warm baked cookie or muffin.

As a Planetree-designated hospital, patients at Griffin Hospital are able to experience an innovative model of healthcare that puts the patients' needs first. Providers partner with patients and their family members to identify and satisfy the full range of patient needs and preferences. Every aspect of care at the hospital is shaped by the Planetree principles among which are exceptional healthcare services, emphasis...

DERBY, CT - Over the last couple of decades more and more attention is being given to the benefits of complimentary medicine and the positive impact it has on healing. As part of the Planetree model of care at Griffin Hospital, patients are offered a full menu of complimentary services that are provided by a dedicated corps of volunteers and staff. Among those services is Therapeutic Touch (TT), an adaptation of several healing practices in which the practitioner uses his/her hands to facilitate healing through a process of energy exchange, enabling patients to focus their energy toward recuperation.

Community members interested in learning Therapeutic Touch are invited to attend a comprehensive, full-day Basic-Level Therapeutic Touch workshop from 8:00 am - 6:30 pm Saturday, November 7 at Griffin Hospital. Therapeutic Touch practitioner Holly Major, MSN, ANP-BC, QTTT, will provide instruction (Registered Nurses...

DERBY, CT - It has been said that everyone has a story -- and for a number of the patients at Griffin Hospital their stories are captured by community members who participate as "Vital Patient Stories" (VPS) volunteers.

"This is certainly one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had," said Sister Mary Bernard Wiecezak, CSFN, a Griffin Hospital volunteer since 1998 who has donated over 300 hours to the Vital Patient Stories program. "Every week I visit with a few of the patients, asking them if they would be willing to share a story with me. I tell them that the story is purely for them and that my hope is to create a brief narrative that will capture some of their reflections, praise their accomplishments and spotlight some of their memories. Many of the patients are eager participants and I believe our time together is a true treasure for both of us."

Sister Mary Bernard has written over 100 patient stories and assists with training other volunteers who wish to work in the Vital Patient...

DERBY, CT (August 14, 2009) - The latest imaging and diagnostics technology, chronic knee or hip pain, single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), arthritis, and syncope, a temporary loss of consciousness or fainting, are among the scheduled talks by Griffin Hospital physicians to be presented as part of the ongoing Health Empowerment Series. Other topics include shoulder pain, reconstructive breast surgery, congestive heart failure, and complementary medicine. Registration is requested. Please call (203)732-1511 or register online at www.griffinhealth.org.

The schedule of topics and presenters is:

Aug. 20, “A Radiologist’s View,” Dr. Diego Nunez Aug. 25, 6:30 pm and Oct. 15, 2:30 pm – “Is Chronic Knee or Hip Pain Slowing You Down?” Dr. Ignatius Komninakas...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DERBY, CT (June 19, 2009) - Griffin Hospital is hosting a 100th Birthday Party on Saturday, June 27, from 11 am to 3 pm and the entire community is invited. Attendees will have an opportunity to tour Griffin Hospital's new Clinical Laboratory and the completed Phase I of the Emergency Department. The final phase of this three-year project, which began in 2007 and included the opening of the Hewitt Ambulatory Care Services Pavilion and the Center for Cancer Care last October, will coincide with the centennial celebration at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the move into the new Clinical Laboratory was completed this week along with Phase I of the Emergency Department expansion including the new Emergency Department lobby and half of the treatment rooms. When fully completed, the Emergency Department expansion will increase the size...

DERBY, CT - If you were to ask Derby resident Nellie Hapak about one of her favorite parts of her week, she'd undoubtedly smile and tell you about the time she spends Monday through Wednesdays at Griffin Hospital. A hospital volunteer of 28 years, Nellie has worked in both Griffin Hospital's Central Scheduling and Gift Shop areas and has donated a total of over 13,500 hours of volunteer service over that time.

Over the past few years, Nellie has dedicated the majority of her time in the Gift Shop where, among other tasks, she prices and sells merchandise, assists customers with selections and gift wrap, operates the cash register/computer, and keeps records of the sales. A former waitress at Grassy Hill Lodge, Nellie says that serving people has always been in her blood. "I like meeting people and helping them when I can," said Mrs. Hapak. "When my husband passed away, I was looking for something to do and wanted a volunteer experience that would be rewarding and one where I could become a part...

StoryCorps, a national initiative to document everyday history and the unique stories of Americans, visited Griffin Hospital's Center for Cancer Care on May 27 and 28, 2009 to celebrate the stories of Griffin Hospital's community as part of the hospital's Centennial Anniversary. StoryCorps is a national independent nonprofit project in partnership with NPR and the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress.

Participating in the 45-minute interview sessions were a mixture of Griffin Hospital employees, nurses, physicians, donors, and friends: Dr. Jeff Yale and Lenore Yale; Griffin Hospital chaplain the Rev. JoClare Wilson and Maria Sylvestre, RN; Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. and Edward Sheehy, Jr. ; Griffin Hospital President and CEO Patrick Charmel and Griffin Hospital Vice President Bill Powanda; Dr. Kenneth Dobuler and daughter Zoe; Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell and The Valley United Way President Jack Walsh; Community Outreach & Parish Nurse Program...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DERBY, CT (June 5, 2009) - Griffin Hospital will be 100 years old this year, and it is looking for other Centenarians to join in the celebration. On Saturday, June 27, from 11 am to 3 pm Griffin Hospital will host a birthday party to celebrate a century of caring for its community. Valley residents are invited to "come back where it all began" and celebrate with the Griffin Hospital Family of caregivers. During the event, the hospital plans to give special recognition to anyone who is 100 years old or older. All those born in 1909 or earlier with an interest in attending should contact the Griffin Hospital Development Fund at 203.732.7504.

Griffin Hospital's 100th Birthday Party promises to be a fun-packed event. Free cake and ice cream, kids' activities, musical entertainment and "behind the scenes" tours of the Operating Room, Childbirth Center, Digestive Disorders Center and Health Resource Center are...

DERBY, CT - An event for all ages is the focus of the 4th Annual Community Health and Safety Fair for children and adults on Saturday, May 30, from 10 am to 2 pm. at the Ansonia Armory, 5 North State St.

Sponsored by Griffin Hospital, the Valley Parish Nurse Program, the Valley N.A.A.C.P., the Valley YMCA, the City of Ansonia and the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven Neighborhood Small Grants, the free event will feature health screenings for adults and children including cholesterol, diabetic, osteoporosis, blood pressure screenings and stroke assessments.

Fitted bike helmets will be given to the first 250 children and there will be a bike rodeo and car seat safety checks and installation. Volunteers will be on hand to register youngsters for the CHIPS (Childhood Identification Program)...

DERBY, CT - More personal than "putting out the welcome mat" for its patients, Griffin Hospital staffs its main entrance with volunteer Ambassadors who are the first smiling faces patients see upon arrival at the hospital. Every morning and afternoon a team of two volunteers, donning navy blue blazers with white carnations tucked neatly in the lapels, stand at the mahogany podium in the front hospital lobby welcoming visitors and guests with open arms. Acting as a liaison for patients, the Ambassadors willingly assist them to their desired destination with the hospital - whether that is to the admitting area, physician's offices or the lab.

John Radovich, a Seymour resident and hospital volunteer who has served over 900 hours has been a part of the Valley all his life and a part of the volunteer corps since 1998 (left click link to download image). "I get such a kick out of being an Ambassador," said Mr. Radovich. "I think I have the greatest job here -- being able to meet new people and catch up with old...

Derby, CT - The Integrative Medicine Center at Griffin Hospital is offering an intermediate level Therapeutic Touch workshop for Therapeutic Touch practitioners. The program will explore deeper concepts of Therapeutic Touch and provide opportunity for hands-on practice. Meets Friday, May 1 from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM & Sunday, May 3 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. 14.4 contact hours will be awarded to RNs who complete the course.

Instruction will be provided by Holly Major, MSN, ANP-BC, QTTT, a nurse practitioner at the Integrative Medicine Center. Holly is also the Therapeutic Touch Coordinator at Griffin Hospital and a Therapeutic Touch instructor.

The program will be held in the conference room in the Griffin Hospital Dining Room, located at 130 Division Street in Derby, CT. The workshop fee is $100. For more information about the program, contact Holly Major at hmajor@griffinhealth.org...

DERBY, CT - The Integrative Medicine Center at Griffin Hospital is offering an introductory meditation workshop begining on Monday, April 20 at 6:30 PM.

This four-week program will introduce participants to the basic concepts of meditation and provide opportunity for guided practice. Instruction is provided by Holly Major, MSN, ANP-BC, QTTT, a nurse practitioner at the Integrative Medicine Center. Holly is also the Therapeutic Touch Coordinator at Griffin Hospital and a Therapeutic Touch instructor.

The program will be held in the conference room in the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital, located at 350 Seymour Avenue in Derby. The workshop fee is $100.

For more information about the program, contact Holly Major at hmajor@griffinhealth.org or at (203) 732-1297.

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DERBY, CT: The Griffin Hospital Inpatient Psychiatric Unit recently received the 2004 Honorable Mention Award from the Connecticut Real Estate Exchange, a statewide organization that recognizes Connecticut projects that have had a "positive impact on the State and their communities, overcoming significant economic, geographic, bureaucratic or environmental obstacles."

The presentation was made to the S/L/A/M Collaborative of Glastonbury and Albis Turlington Architects of New Haven. The S/L/A/M Collaborative was responsible for the interior design of the renovation; Albis Turlington was architect of record for the project. Opened last June, the new inpatient psychiatric unit completes the integration of the Planetree philosophy of patient-centered care...

DERBY, CT - Daun Barrett, R.N., Coordinator of the Valley Parish Nurse Program (VPNP) has been selected as Griffin Hospital's first Planetree "Spirit of Caring" award winner. Planetree started the "Spirit of Caring" award to publicly recognize health caregivers who personalize and humanize the health care experience for patients and their families and programs or services supporting extraordinary achievement in patient-centered care. The Valley Parish Nurse Program was selected as Griffin Hospital's "Spirit of Caring" award program.

Planetree established the "Spirit of Caring" award for the 76 hospitals across the country that are members of the Planetree Alliance. "Spirit of Caring" award winners from the hospitals will be recognized at a special award ceremony at the annual Planetree conference in Seattle in October.

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Media Welcome to Attend a Media Tour at 12:00 noon and Opening Ceremony at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2003

Derby, CT - Griffin Hospital is pleased to announce the expansion of the Planetree model of patient-centered care into its newly renovated Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. The new psychiatric unit completes the integration of the Planetree philosophy of patient centered care throughout the hospital.

The new facility at Griffin Hospital is a 14 bed acute care psychiatric unit. The mission of the unit is to provide effective psychiatric care in a safe, peaceful environment that incorporates the Planetree programmatic elements. Traditional therapeutic approaches that include individual and group therapy are enhanced with complementary services such as patient education, aroma therapy, arts and entertainment and journaling.

Planetree...

DERBY, CT - Modern Maturity, the official publication of AARP has named Griffin Hospital one of 15 "Hospitals With Heart" in the country. Modern Maturity, at 20 million, has the largest circulation of any magazine in the country.

The designation was made based on Griffin Hospital's patient-centered, Planetree care model. The four principles used for the designation are: treat everyone with dignity, share unbiased information with patients and their families, strengthen patient's sense of control and collaborate with patients, families and the broader community in deciding how the hospital looks and functions. It is the first time the magazine named "Hospitals With Heart."

To find the leaders in the hospital industry, Modern Maturity consulted organizations devoted to fostering patient-centered care and interviewed dozens of care givers, hospital administrators...