The Planetree Approach
A Healing Touch
The new Elmhurst Memorial Hospital will be one of the first hospitals in the nation to grow from the ground up according to the principles of Planetree, a nonprofit organization that helps transform hospitals into life-enhancing, healing environments.
Planetree emphasizes a nurturing organizational culture and empowering patients and families, and connects the physical, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of healing. It’s the perfect fit for EMHC as we strive to provide a whole new kind of patient experience.
The 10 Key Principles of Planetree
- Healing partnerships with family members and caregivers enable patients to be active participants in their own care.
- Architectural and interior design allows for solitude and social space, creating an environment of health and healing.
- Nutrition and the nurturing aspects of food are valued.
- Family, friends and significant others should be involved in the patient’s experience as much as possible.
- Patients and families are empowered through education and information.
- Spirituality and the importance of inner resources are recognized.
- Using healing arts – art, music and storytelling – is good for the soul.
- Human touch relieves stress and promotes healing.
- Complementary and alternative therapies offer holistic healing.
- Involving the larger community in health and wellness creates a healing community.
planetree philosophy
Planetree is a nonprofit organization that works with hospitals and healthcare facilities to develop and implement a patient-centered healing environment. This approach focuses on the physical, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of healing. The sycamore leaf will be a key architectural feature located throughout the interior and exterior design of our new campus.