Published on May 12, 2010
Creating A Healing View For Patients
Several years ago on a dreary day, surgeon Joe Lohmuller, M.D., told a patient that the tumor on her pancreas could not be removed. Within a year, the patient would die.
The moment of stark reality made the four walls of a hospital room at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme St., very confining. Looking outside the window provided no solace. It was dark and rainy.
On that day, with that kind of news for a patient and family, Dr. Lohmuller was reminded that the healing process can encompass more than clinical skill and bedside manner.
"Healing the whole person -- mind, body and spirit -- requires more than advances in technology,'' Dr. Lohmuller explained. "Many national studies indicate that patients with access to nature scenes have a more positive outlook, fewer negative emotions and are more able to block or reduce stressful thoughts.''
Dr. Lohmuller said the research also indicates that patients with access to views of nature can have shorter post-operative recovery, use less pain medication and have fewer post-operative complications.
At Dr. Lohmuller's suggestion, Genesis Health Services Foundation has begun a $150,000 fundraising effort to transform the drab second-floor roof above the operating rooms at Genesis Medical Center's East Rusholme St. campus into a captivating, therapeutic rooftop greenscape.
When private donations reach $50,000, an equal amount of funds will be matched by the Genesis Foundation and by Genesis Health System. It is the first time the three groups have joined together with matching resources for a patient-centered project.
Patients on three floors, including patients recovering from surgery, will be able to look out onto a green space with colorful plantings and ballast. The rooftop greenscape will provide an engaging, therapeutic view year-round with minimal operating expense.
"In some cases, the healing is not physical healing; it is emotional and spiritual healing,'' Lohmuller added. "Patients have been saying they prefer facilities that provide access to nature through a garden, windows, balconies, pictures and indoor plants.
"People under stress often turn to nature for a sense of relief, and when nature is available in a hospital setting, patients, staff and visitors will choose to view such a space knowing the experience will help them feel better."
Gifts to the Genesis Health Services Foundation in support of the rooftop greenscape will help create a patient-centered, healing feature.
For more information, or to make a gift, call (563) 421-6865 or go to www.genesishealth.com/give. If fundraising is completed by June 1, the greenscape can be planted this year.
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