Complementary Therapies Expand the Choices Offered to Patients
Studies show that relaxation and comfort are conducive to healing. All of our patients are able to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, deep tissue massage and Reiki provided by licensed practitioners or care givers.
The Paws & Reflect Therapy Dogs International, Inc., part of the Volunteer Department at the hospital, make regular visits to patients.
I AM PLANETREE
Meet ACH Obstetrics Director Marianne Sevcik. Marianne began her career as an RN at a psychiatric hospital in Knoxville, TN in 1987. Marianne’s first experience in an OB department came with a move to Rochester Minnesota in 1990. After relocating to Ohio in 2000 she began her career at ACH in the OB department.
“I hadn’t always dreamed of becoming an Obstetrics nurse. Sometimes in life you are just in the right place at the right time. This is how I feel about OB, when I started in the department I just discovered a part of who I am. I related to the patients, especially as the mother of four children of my own. I have grown to absolutely love OB; I love the bond that OB nurses get to share with young women and their families at such a special time in their lives. Obstetrics nurses have the wonderful job of making everyday a birthday party, but they also have to be there for families during some of life’s most difficult moments. It’s during these times when compassionate care is most needed. Once you have had the privilege of sharing these intimate moments with the patients it truly changes who you are in a profound way. Our Planetree philosophy at ACH enables us to provide care for the whole patient; our staff is trained to do more than just care for the physical needs of the patient. We are here to treat every patient as family with a deeper level of kindness and compassion. Caring for people is part of who you become. There is no way to distance yourself from the joy or pain that the patient is experiencing, nor do you want to. Being Planetree goes beyond just having a skill set as a nurse, it reaches in and changes who you are and allows you to give back from your heart, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
PLANETREE PHILOSOPHY
"...the ideal hospital would combine the best of spas with the best of hotels and the best of hospitals to become a truly healing environment, where just being there is healing."
~ Angelica Thieriot, Planetree Founder
Alliance Community Hospital joins some of the most progressive healthcare facilities as an affiliate of Planetree, an internationally-recognized, non-profit organization that advocates patient-centered care and integrates complementary therapies with today's highly technical medical expertise to give patients the best possible healing environment.
Planetree founder Angelica Thieriot envisioned a new type of hospital, where patients could be active participants in their own care and experience support and healing on many levels.
Planetree has several core components. Here is a sampling of them and an explanation of how Alliance Community Hospital is putting each one into practice.
Human Interaction
Alliance Community Hospital's philosophy of patient care is treating patients as our guests. Whether it's providing a complementary service or holding a patient's hand, our dedicated caregivers reach out to each individual over the course of their stay at ACH.
Information & Education
Patient input is important at Alliance Community Hospital. Our patients are encouraged to ask questions about the direction of their care and also, to offer feedback.
Loved Ones, Friends & Social Support
The new Alliance Community Hospital is designed with comfort areas for relaxation and open kitchen areas on each floor, where loved ones can prepare a favorite meal for a patient. The hospital has a 24-hour visitation policy, and sleeper sofas are located in all patient rooms, which accommodate guests comfortably.
Spirituality: The Importance of Inner Resources
In addition to an on-site interdenominational chapel, the hospital offers a prayer partner program for patients who wish to have someone pray with them. A chaplain is also available at any time upon request.
The Importance of the Human Touch
Patients who are waiting to have a procedure or experiencing pain or discomfort can be put at ease with the "M" technique, a gentle massage performed by licensed practitioners at the hospital.
Healing Arts: Nutrition for the Soul
Alliance Community Hospital offers a variety of speakers, support groups, classes and events to raise health awareness in the community.
Architectural and Interior Design that is Conducive to Health and Healing
Following the Planetree model of care, the new Alliance Community Hospital offers private rooms with hotel-like amenities, computer access and hookup, cable television and a private bathroom. Hallways are carpeted to reduce noise.
The Importance of Both the Nutritional and Nurturing Aspects of Food
The Nutritional Services Department offers a "room service" option, allowing patients to order food at any time - day or night. Patients can enjoy fresh-baked bread and cookies, prepared by volunteers, and the baking provides aromatherapy benefits as well.
