Griffin Hospital – a healing environment
Griffin Hospital’s adoption of the Planetree model of patient-centered care over twenty years ago prompted us to design a distinctly warm, nurturing and healing environment. Beginning with the construction of our North Wing in 1992 and culminating with the renovation of our Emergency Department in 2010, our hospital-wide implementation of the Planetree model of patient-centered care has set the stage for Griffin Hospital to better respond to the needs and expectations of our patients and community.
The North Wing
Architectural design of the North Wing contains a 14-bed critical care unit and three medical/surgical units with a combined capacity of 69 beds. The consumer-centered environment features:
- patient/family lounges on each unit
- residential kitchens where family members can prepare meals for patients and dine together
- decentralized nurses stations, located close to the bedside
- comfortable conference tables to accommodate interaction between physicians, nurses, patients and their families
Critical Care Unit
The Critical Care Unit is the first to be built using patient and family centered concepts that go beyond aesthetics. Its unique design continues to protect the acutely-ill patient while providing enhanced privacy and an array of amenities for patients as well as their family members and visitors.
Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
Griffin Hospital’s inpatient psychiatric unit has incorporated a healing environment which eliminates physical barriers between patients and staff. The unit features:
- home-like furnishings and decor to reduce anxiety
- elements of nature, natural light, and the arts to lift spirits
- comfortable communal spaces to encourage social interaction
- private and semi-private rooms
- a residential style kitchen
- a lounge with a large salt water aquarium
Emergency Department
Griffin Hospital opened its expanded and renovated Emergency Department at the end of 2009. Griffin Hospital’s new Emergency Department is 50% larger than its predecessor, an increase in the number of private treatment rooms from 14 to 23, including three dedicated behavioral health crisis intervention rooms. In addition to creating a more modern, technologically advanced space for emergency treatment, the expansion also included:
- a new main entrance
- larger waiting areas
- private triage rooms
The entire Emergency Department has been expanded and redesigned for optimal efficiency and patient comfort to create a more healing environment for patients and families and to increase operating efficiency and minimize wait times. Treatment rooms are identically configured and equipped to accommodate all levels of care, from minor complaints to more serious injury and illness.
The Center for Cancer Care & Hewitt Pavilion
The Center for Cancer Care and Hewitt Pavilion, located across from the main campus, was completed in 2008. The center features a healing environment inspired by nature and created for comfort, with quiet, calming interior spaces infused with natural beauty and light, designed for comfort and serenity.
Griffin Imaging & Diagnostics Center at Ivy Brook
The Griffin Imaging & Diagnostics Center in Shelton, combines diagnostic confidence and patient comfort in one of the most advanced imaging facilities in the State.
As a Planetree facility, the Griffin Imaging & Diagnostics Center is designed entirely around the patient experience, with the sensitivity of Griffin Hospital’s renowned model of personalized care:
- Comfortable furnishings
- WiFi Internet with PC access
- High-definition TV
- Saltwater aquarium
- Interactive children’s waiting area
- Refreshment station