Hospital Gardens Offer Serene Setting for Spiritual and Emotional Healing

Chula Vista, Calif. — While clinical excellence is an essential component of care at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, two new healing gardens recently unveiled at the hospital’s Birch Patrick Convalescent Center demonstrate the facility’s commitment to serving the broad scope of patient needs, including spiritual and emotional healing.

In an effort to provide patient-centered care and a comfortable environment for its 100 residents, the skilled nursing facility offers high quality medical services, a full range of activities and, now, a tranquil setting where residents can enjoy the outdoors and spend time with their families — thanks to efforts coordinated by the hospital’s Spiritual Environment Committee (SEC).

“The SEC emphasizes calming spaces of comfort and positive spirituality on our campus in order to promote well-being and healing of body, mind and spirit,” said Lois Hare, MDiv, BCC, supervisor of spiritual care and SEC chair at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center.

Featuring a total redesign of the facility’s two courtyards, the gardens draw upon elements of nature to provide patients with a comprehensive healing experience. Color added to patio surfaces and side walls, as well as walkways lined with flowers and foliage, aim to stimulate senses. Wood pergolas, seating areas, soothing water fountains and plenty of open space provide comfort, tranquility and opportunities for family interaction.

The idea to build the gardens came when nurse managers and staff concluded that residents and their families could greatly benefit from increased comfort and a broader range of healing methods. A generous donation from Jeff Blair, a principal with BSD Builders who has been involved with Sharp HealthCare projects for many years, allowed their vision to become a reality.

“When I first decided to support the healing gardens, I was eager to see how they would impact residents and their families,” Blair said. “I’ve had family members in and out of Sharp hospitals for years and I knew these improvements would help residents along the healing path.”

In addition to the gardens, two other healing environment projects are currently underway at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center: a renovation of the hospital’s chapel and the Healing Arts Project, an effort to foster tranquility in the intensive care unit through paintings and sculptures.