Food Services To Be First Initiative—

Planetree Selects New Milford Hospital As Affiliate

NEW MILFORD — Planetree, a Derby-based nonprofit membership organization known for its pioneering work with hospitals and health centers to develop and implement patient-centered care in healing environments, has named New Milford Hospital as its newest affiliate. Founded in 1921, the 85-bed Litchfield County community hospital has incorporated into its facilities and programs the Planetree focus on healing and nurturing body, mind, and spirit, according to Joseph P. Frolkis, MD, PhD, president and CEO, New Milford Hospital.

“We have found a model of care that complements what we already do well, but that will allow us to further elevate the highly personalized care that we offer to all our patients,” he said in a release. “As we implement Planetree, we want to create an environment that emphasizes not only healing and recovery, but continued wellness through a focus on disease prevention for both the patient and his or her caregivers,” Dr Frolkis said.

Susan Frampton, president of Planetree, said her organization seeks partners that combine quality care and a personalized approach.

“We are therefore delighted to welcome New Milford Hospital to the Planetree family,” she said. “We are looking forward to assisting New Milford Hospital with plans that will strengthen its unique brand of health care that emphasizes comfort, kindness, and personal attention, and its desire to better involve both patient and family in the provision of high-quality services.”

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

Improved Food Services

New Milford Hospital has identified a dining transition plan as one of the first major initiatives in implementing the Planetree model of care. Specifically, the hospital has 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.

Robert Sommer, vice president for human resources and executive sponsor of Planetree at New Milford Hospital, said, “During our search for a new dining service provider, we found a strong alignment between the hospital and Unidine. Unidine is a ‘fresh food’ company that immediately embraced our Plow to Plate initiative, which encourages the consumption of regionally grown foods and supports local farms.”

“Unidine places great value on team members: it is a learning organization committed to ongoing training. Unidine also provides the dining services at Griffin Hospital, a flagship hospital for Planetree,” Mr Sommer added.

Unidine will officially begin serving hospital patients, staff, and visitors in early July. During the summer months, Unidine will begin to introduce more fresh food and local ingredients in its menu, whenever and wherever possible.

“We are pleased to welcome Unidine to our community. As these changes occur, employees, patients, and visitors will share in the opportunity to participate in a dining initiative focused on ‘simple, nutritious and delicious’ meals that truly promote healthier lifestyles,” Mr Sommer said.

The Planetree Model

Since its founding in 1978 as a nonprofit 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 that 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.