Griffin Hospital incorporates the core components of Planetree through the following programs and services:
Arts and Entertainment
Griffin Hospital’s Arts and Entertainment program provides nutrition for the soul using arts (which are not limited to – but include music and nature). The sounds of violinists, pianists, flutists, harpists and other musicians can be heard throughout many areas of the hospital. Story tellers, recreational games, computer access and free movies also help create an atmosphere of serenity that promotes healing.
Caring for the Caregiver
Realizing that recognition is important to foster a collaborative work environment, Caring for the Caregiver is an organizational philosophy that is committed to promoting respectful communications, positive reinforcement and acknowledgement needed to facilitate the care of the caregiver. Maintaining a positive work environment, adequate recognition practices to reward employees for a job well done and opportunities for staff betterment - whether through wellness programs, educational programs or opportunities to decompress from stressful moments - are commonplace at Griffin Hospital.
Healing Environments
Planetree has influenced design features at Griffin Hospital which considers the patient’s well-being. The hospital is welcoming and accessible, providing an optimal healing and nurturing environment. Clearly marked signs for direction, the use of natural lighting, balconies, fish tanks, carpeted floors, comfortable rooms and designs that engage the senses and break down the barriers, are just some of the unique design elements. Patients can access home-like, non-institutional areas such as unit-based kitchens, lounges, family spaces, gardens and a chapel with an inspirational stained glass window.
Healthy Communities
As a community hospital, Griffin Hospital doesn’t just treat illness but also serves to promote the overall health of our community by working with schools, senior centers, churches and other local partners to offer an extensive array of screenings, support groups and educational programs. The Community Outreach/Valley Parish Programs reach out to more than 30 community locations each month.
Human Interactions
The quality of the hospital experience can be greatly improved by promoting caring connections between the patients and their support systems. Effective communication between all caregivers, patients and their families is a vital element of good healthcare. Griffin Hospital believes in advocacy for all patients entrusted in their care so that they may find emotional, physical and personal comfort. One way this is achieved is through regularly held Patient Care Conferences. At these conferences, the goal is to “treat the patient before the disease,” anticipate patient needs, and run focus groups about what may be getting in the way of being able to provide patient-centered care.
Human Touch
Touch reduces anxiety, pain, stress and benefiting patients, families and staff members. Griffin Hospital’s trained volunteers and licensed massage therapists are at the service of patients, family members and co-workers to provide ‘soft touch’ and therapeutic massages. Creating connections in a caring and compassionate way promotes healing, comfort and inner peace.
Nutrition
Nutrition is essential to healing. Food is needed not only for good health, but also as a source of pleasure, comfort and familiarity. Custom-made and culturally diverse meals are offered upon request. Good nutritional practices are promoted through constant education (printed materials, web site recipes, and with cooking demonstrations on healthy eating practices).
Patient Education / Access to Information
Striving to promote access and delivery of understandable health information is of paramount importance to what Griffin Hospital staff wants for their patients. Patients, families and community members are encouraged to be actively involved in decisions affecting their care and well-being through access to meaningful information – whether that is when reviewing medical records, medication materials, informed waiting practices, diagnosis-related information and discharge instructions. All medical chart information is available to patients 24 hours a day.
Spirituality
Planetree recognizes the vital role of spirituality in healing the whole person. Griffin Hospital is committed to fostering an environment of care that encourages each patient, family and staff member to utilize their particular spiritual or religious path as a resource for health, wholeness and healing. From chaplains to meditation programs, opportunities are offered for reflection and support of spiritual needs.