Press Release
Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare adopts Planetree model of care
For immediate release, December 22, 2006
Contact
Kyle Bauer, 630-993-5702
ELMHURST – Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare (EMHC) recently took another bold step forward with its plans for a new integrated healthcare campus in south Elmhurst by adopting a patient-centered approach to healthcare known as Planetree.
Planetree is a non-profit organization that works with hospitals and healthcare facilities to develop and implement patient-centered care in a healing environment. In becoming a Planetree member, EMHC will have help creating an atmosphere that cultivates healing of the mind, body and spirit through a value-based approach that encourages patients to become actively involved in their own care. The decision significantly impacts how EMHC’s new integrated campus is designed and constructed and has a positive influence on how patients and their families receive care.
"Planetree’s model fits perfectly with our own vision of placing patients at the center of all we do," said EMHC President/CEO Leo Fronza. "This is an excellent opportunity for us to implement an approach to care that provides a better patient experience."
The Planetree philosophy encourages caregivers to develop "healing partnerships" with their patients and provide a continual flow of information and education. The approach is holistic and encourages healing on more than just a physical level through 10 key components:
- Human interactions that enable patients to be active participants in their own care
- Architectural and interior design conducive to health and healing
- The importance of family, friends and social support
- The importance of nutrition and the nurturing aspects of food
- Spirituality – the importance of inner resources
- Therapeutic human touch including massage therapy
- Healing arts – using art as nutrition for the soul
- Complementary therapies including aromatherapy, pet therapy, Reiki, acupuncture and yoga
- Empowering patients through education and information
- Healing communities – involving the larger community in health and wellness
Albert Kahn Associates Inc., the lead architect for EMHC’s new campus project, is the nation’s leading architect in designing hospitals that support the Planetree principles. The firm is committed to developing building designs that embody human-focused care amenities that support Planetree’s mission. Some of the home-like features EMHC is planning to include are accommodations for patients’ families and friends to stay overnight, libraries, kitchens, healing gardens, use of natural light, waterfalls and activity rooms.
Founded in 1926, Elmhurst Memorial Hospital today is Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare, a comprehensive health system with multiple locations and services designed to enhance the health of the communities and customers we serve. With 427 licensed beds, Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare and its staff of more than 3,200 employees and 550 physicians are committed to excellence in medical and surgical care, behavioral health, cardiology, emergency care, gastroenterology, maternity, neurosurgery, oncology, orthopedics and pediatrics. For more information about Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare, please call CareMatch, our physician referral line, at (630) 782-7878, or visit our Web site at www.emhc.org.