Dominican Hospital Encourages The Community to Help Make The Healing Courtyards Initiative a Reality
By Aric Sleeper
Inspired by the surreal landscapes of Santa Cruz County—from the emerald glow under the canopy of the redwood forests to the soothing vistas of the Pacific coastline—Dominican Hospital has developed a new project that will seek to capture these pristine environments and bring them to the hospital’s campus. These projects will be funded mostly by private donations.
“It’s great for the community to know that in the event that they do need to spend time in the hospital, they will have an environment that is open, welcoming, and healing,” says Dominican Hospital President Nannette Mickiewicz, MD.
The Healing Courtyards Initiative redesigns a number of areas on the hospital grounds to mirror the natural beauty of our county to not only bring a sense of serenity to patients and their families during their visit, but also speed up the recovery process.
Research from institutions like Texas A&M University and others have shown that just a few minutes of gazing at a view of vibrant flora or flowing water can reduce stress levels and the need for pain medication, and ultimately shorten the duration of hospital stays.
But the healing courtyards will be more than just visually appealing oases inside the hospital. “There will be different heights and surfaces for patients receiving rehabilitation services to negotiate for mobility retraining and safety awareness. Patients can work with their Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists on balance, coordination, endurance, problem solving and, social interaction using the proposed putting green, paths and games that will be incorporated into the garden’s design,” says Kerry Nehls, In-Patient Therapy Manager at Dominican. “It will give patients a chance to work on their individualized therapy goals in setting that promotes health and restoration.”
Dr. Mickiewicz points out that the healing courtyards will also provide the hospital’s medical staff with the same stress-relieving benefits that the space will give to patients and their families. “Presently, I think we have some nice areas for them to enjoy during their breaks, but expanding the sitting areas and encouraging staff to get outside will be very helpful for their stress levels,” says Dr. Mickiewicz.
A committee chaired by Dr. Keith McKenzie recently approved a master plan designed by local landscape architect Joni Janecki & Associates. Dominican Hospital employees actively participated in design focus groups. Other courtyards include Family Birthing Center Courtyard that allows new moms and families to spend time outside with their infants and a meditation garden.
The Main Surgery Waiting Area and Therapy Courtyards will be the initial focuses of the hospital’s initiative and will be redesigned to include a glass atrium that will open into a garden. This addition allows for expansion of the outdoor terrace on the second floor able. The remodel includes a private room where surgeons can meet in private with patient families.
Jim Thompson, a member of the Foundation Board, gave $50,000 as a matching challenge gift. “I hope this gift will encourage others to support this important initiative,” says Jim. A number of foundation board members pledged their support as a match to Jim Thompson’s challenge.
“Innovation is one of the core values at Plantronics and we recently spent time transforming our workspace to create a healthy, safe, and inclusive environment, an environment where people will want to be. We are proud to support the hospital in doing the same thing for its employees, patients and families,” says Joe Burton, CTO and EVP of Product, Technology and Strategy at Plantronics, a member of the Healing Courtyards Committee and the Dominican Hospital Foundation Board. Plantronics offers support with a donation to the Healing Courtyards Initiative. Joe also made a personal gift to the Initiative.
“It’s overall a great project,” says Ken Morena, retired CEO of Driscoll’s Berries. “It’s going to benefit so many people and I find it worthy of the time I’ve spent on it.” Ken is one of the many community members who have stepped up to contribute their time and resources to the project over the last two years of planning. In order to bring the project to life, additional funding is needed, but Ken is confident that others in the community will see the long-lasting value of the project, and donate to the cause. “It’s the community’s hospital,” says Ken. “I think people should support this project, and I’m confident that they will.”
The Healing Courtyard Initiative is also the focus of Dominican’s Employee Giving Campaign this year. “Employee response to this year’s campaign focus has been exceptionally successful.” says Kerry who is chairing the Employee Giving Committee. “As a result of this year Giving Campaign, over 25% of our employees have generously donated to the Foundation.”
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Recognition opportunities are available throughout the courtyards. For more information on this project please call the Dominican Hospital Foundation at 831.462.7712.