The quality of a hospital is, of course, most directly connected to the quality of its medical care.
So just consider these extra, non-medical offerings for patients – as well as patients’ friends and family members – to be bonus features.
Mount Carmel St. Ann’s
When St. Ann’s replaced its standard hospital cafeteria with the new Bryden Bistro, it went all-out.
Recent substantial expansions of St. Ann’s prompted designers to put together a bigger facility – and get rid of the “hospital food” reputation for good. Omelets, pastas, flatbreads, salads and stir-fry are all on the menu now.
“We have definitely seen a rise in patient satisfaction,” says Matt Sidner, executive chef. “Some patients have requested to stay another day just for the food alone.”
Patients can even get room service. Everything is fresh made to order and guaranteed to arrive in 45 minutes or less.
Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center
Hope’s Boutique became part of The Ohio State University’s Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center to take one challenge – finding the right clothing – off the long lists of patients.
The boutique was founded in 1998 in an effort to help women to look and feel their best during and after treatment. Clothing, accessories, skin care products, hair alternatives for complete or partial hair loss, hats, head wraps, books and breast prostheses are among the items sold.
“We are not the doctors delivering you the bad news,” says Michelle Rees, boutique manager and a cancer survivor herself. “We are the ones trying to make you feel better after that happens.”
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Parents of an ailing child must devote an enormous amount of time and attention to him or her, so Nationwide Children’s Hospital works to keep those children’s siblings’ spirits up.
More than 71,000 children have come to the hospital’s Sibling Clubhouse since it opened in 2001. Among its highlights are video and e-card creation assistance from staffers and a medical play area, where children can learn what to expect from a real hospital room.
“Most of the time, these children are craving that individual attention,” says Julie Snider, child life specialist at the hospital. “Our staff and volunteers help them deal with the ranges of emotions that come with that.”
Riverside Methodist Hospital
Music can always brighten someone’s day, and the piano at OhioHealth’s Riverside Methodist Hospital is intended to do just that.
Located in the family lounge of the hospital’s oncology unit, the grand piano is there for patients, family and friends to play at their leisure. Riverside also has 24 volunteers who play for at least two hours a week.
“Music soothes the soul and connects people in a special way,” says Carol Conner, director of volunteer services. “Just spend a few hours in our lobby when the piano is playing and watch the magic happen.”
Jeanne Cantwell is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
