Planetree Affiliation

At Griffin Hospital, we subscribe to the philosophy that we can best serve patients and the community by providing the latest in medical technology in a healing, nurturing environment.

Planetree is a consumer health care organization dedicated to humanizing health care. The Planetree, or sycamore tree, is the tree under which Hippocrates, the founder of modern medicine, sat when he began teaching his medical students many centuries ago. With this same commitment to education, Planetree at Griffin Hospital was created in 1992 to support individuals who wish to learn more about health care and medicine in order to become active participants in their own care.

Begun as a prototype on the renovated East A and B patient care units, the Planetree patient-driven care philosophy was expanded hospital-wide upon completion of the North Wing in June of 1994. The North Wing is the first facility in the nation to be designed and constructed around the Planetree philosophy and remains the largest fully-Planetree facility in the nation.

The Planetree model was founded on the belief that if patients have access to information regarding their illness and hospitalization, they can become active participants in their own health. Planetree units maintain a policy allowing patients to read their own charts at any time and ask questions of their physician and nurse about what they read. Educational materials are provided in satellite resource centers located on each unit for those who wish to learn more about their illness, diagnostic tests and medication.

To further foster education and communication, there are no “restricted zones.” The traditional nurse station is replaced with an open workplace that anyone can use - patients and families alike. The unique design of our patient units on the North Wing places the primary nurse just outside the patient's door. The Planetree model is patient-centered rather than provider focuses and is committed to improving medical care from the patient's perspective. In addition to full kitchens, patient and family lounges are on each unit. One is a quiet lounge that features a saltwater aquarium and the other is a music lounge where patients and their families can enjoy the talents of the various musicians who staff the daily Arts and Entertainment Program.

The Planetree model also incorporates complementary therapies, such as therapeutic touch, meditation, massage, acupuncture and therapy dog visitation. Each week, dogs of all shapes and sizes come to Griffin to cheer patients and their families. These dogs are certified through a Therapy Dog Group. The program began with just a few greyhounds and has grown to include more than 30 toy dogs, greyhounds, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and even larger Dobermans and New Foundland dogs. 

Griffin's aromatherapy program uses atomizers of fresh and calming essences as well as the smell of freshly baked goods on the patient floors from volunteers in our Volunteer Baking program.

In 2000 a Healing Garden was designed by one of our physicians who also provided funding to create it. The garden is now in full bloom. The smell of lavender wafts through this peaceful garden surrounded by plants and herbs that encourage healing and meditation. Healing plants include lavender, Bee Balm, St. John's Wort and many more along with colorful day lillies and small shrubs. There is a small freshwater pond and two benches for visitors to rest.

Other Planetree Programs include the Precious Cargo Program designed to ease anxieties of our young patients.  Our pediatric patients can get a ride from the Lobby to Same Day Surgery, Radiology or the Emergency Room in a bright red Radio Flyer Wagon. These wagons are outfitted with canopies and cushions sporting rain forest and fish motifs.

Another recent Planetree program was initiated from a patient's suggestion to provide e-mail access for patients and their families. Our satellite resource centers are equipped with state-of-the-art computers boasting high-speed Internet connections so patients who are on our floors can stay connected to their families, jobs or friends.

For more information on Planetree, go to www.planetree.org or call (203) 732-1365.