New Milford Hospital - A Planetree Affiliate

Founded in 1921, the 85-bed Litchfield County community hospital begun a multi-year process at that time to build on its longstanding reputation for both high quality and exceptionally compassionate patient care by incorporating into its facilities and programs the Planetree focus on healing and nurturing body, mind and spirit.

As a global catalyst and leader, Planetree promotes the development and implementation of innovative models of health care that focus on personalizing, humanizing and demystifying the healthcare experience for patients and their families.

With more than 140 member organizations around the world, including both major academic medical centers and community hospitals, Planetree's philosophy includes the beliefs that:

• we are human beings, caring for other human beings
• we are all caregivers
• caregiving is best achieved through kindness and compassion
• safe, accessible, high quality care is fundamental to patient centered care
• a holistic approach will meet people's needs of body, mind and spirit
• families, friends and loved ones are vital to the healing process
• access to understandable health information can empower individuals to participate in their health
• the opportunity for individuals to make personal choices related to their care is essential
• physical environments can enhance healing, health and well-being
• illness can be a transformational experience for patients, families and caregivers 

 Planetree Efforts at New Milford Hospital

• Food Services - Hospital Cafe, Senior Suppers, Plow to Plate®, Healing Herb & Culinary Garden
• Open Chart Policy
• Patient and Family Advisory Council
• Integrative Therapies (Reiki, guided imagery, music therapy)
• Pet Therapy Program
• The Green Team
• Arts and Aesthetics Committee
• Volunteer Chaplaincy Program
• Planetree Gift Shop
• Community Resource Center (health library)

Dining and Food Services

New Milford Hospital identified a dining transition plan as one of the first major initiatives in implementing the Planetree model of care. Specifically, the Hospital selected Unidine Corporation as its exclusive provider of dining services to bring fresh food into the facility, support local businesses, and promote health in the community.

Unidine officially began serving Hospital patients, staff and visitors in July 2008, incorporating more fresh food and local ingredients in its menu for employees, patients and visitors, and offering a dining experience that is focused on simple, nutritious and delicious meals that truly promote healthier lifestyles. 

A little more than a year later, New Milford Hospital was named a recipient of the 2009 Spirit of Planetree Award, recognizing its patient-centered approach to providing care in the category of Nutritional and Nurturing Aspects of Food. The award was presented at the Planetree Annual Conference held in Baltimore, commemorating the Hospital's transformation of its dining service to use fresh, healthy foods - some from local farms - with its partner, Unidine Corporation.  It also highlighted a pilot project to educate local youth about nutrition, farming, the environment and the economy through an award-winning community outreach initiative known as Plow to Plate®, which advocates for regionally grown foods and farms.

The Planetree Model

Since its founding in 1978 as a non-profit organization, Planetree has been a pioneer in patient-centered rather than provider-focused care, and is committed to improving medical care from the patient's perspective. It empowers patients and families through information and education, and encourages "healing partnerships" with caregivers.

Planetree's approach is holistic and encourages healing in all dimensions - mental, emotional, spiritual and social, as well as physical. It seeks to maximize health care outcomes by integrating optimal medical therapies. Access to arts and nature are also incorporated into the healing environment.

The Planetree Model recognizes the importance of architectural and interior design in the healing process. A growing body of scientific data points to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction as a result of design factors which are homelike, barrier free, support patient dignity and encourage family participation in care. Facility designs utilizing Planetree's principles result in life-enhancing, healing environments.

For more information about Planetree, visit www.planetree.org.