Healing Environment

Healing Environment 

Wellmont Health System offers expert treatment from many of our region’s top physicians, nurses and caregivers. Their roles involve curing diseases using some of the most modern methods available. They have a desire to cure, and they are among the best at what they do. 

Wellmont’s Healing Environment introduces Shepherds, specially trained and empowered caregivers who exhibit a passion for helping patients heal – physically, mentally and spiritually. These Shepherds are dedicated to creating healing spaces around us, healing attitudes within us and healing relationships between us.

The Healing Environment focuses as much energy on healing patients as it does on curing diseases. In a Healing Environment, patients are the focal points. Decisions are made and actions are taken with our patients first and foremost in mind.

The Healing Environment is not a new concept. Its principles are rooted in the basic concepts of medicine and in the idea that we are each capable of being a Good Samaritan. At times, that may involve the simple offering of a kind word or a compassionate heart. And the Healing Environment acknowledges that sometimes, when that is all we have to give, it is also what is most needed.

The Healing Environment is more than a program or a set of guidelines for care. It is a concept that takes care to another level and a set of principles that promotes true healing. It is the right thing to do for our patients.

 
 
 

What does the Healing Environment symbol represent?

Healing Environment ShepherdThe Healing Environment symbol represents the Good Samaritan and shepherding abilities we all embody.

  • The Shepherd’s open arms are an expression of welcome and represent a place of comfort and help in difficult times.
  • The Shepherd’s face – a face without distinct features – is symbolic of all people and the Good Samaritan in us all.
  • The Shepherd’s flowing robe is symbolic of times past and our heritage of healing body, mind and spirit.

Wellmont employees who wear a pin with this symbol are actively involved and serve as Shepherds for the Healing Environment.

Healing Environment projects at Holston Valley

These Shepherd-led projects have been developed and are being implemented to improve the environment of healing at Holston Valley Medical Center.

  • Developing tobacco-free facility and smoking cessation initiatives for a healthier environment
  • Creating new staff recognition programs to demonstrate the importance of each team member's role
  • Improving signage to assist with navigation in and around the hospital
  • Implementing music therapy to encourage and support healing
  • Enhancing leadership training to increase mentoring of all staff members
  • Coordinating cardiac preadmission to ease the process for patients and families
  • Improving communications in surgery waiting areas for families
  • Refreshing outdoor areas for employee and visitor activities
  • Renovating unit breakrooms and common family areas to promote comfort and relaxation
  • Improving language interpretation processes for non-English speaking and deaf patients

Healing Environment projects at Bristol Regional

These Shepherd-led projects have been developed and are being implemented to improve the environment of healing at Bristol Regional Medical Center.

  • Improving emergency department waiting areas and resources for families and visitors
  • Educating staff members about available recycling programs and "green" initiatives
  • Updating signage to improve navigation in and around the hospital
  • Increasing awareness of alternative healing therapies to complement traditional medicine
  • Beginning music and movie therapy for patients and visitors
  • Improving visitor resources, guides and other materials
  • Offering patient care items, including contact solution, denture cream and combs
  • Enhancing mealtime assistance for patients who need it
  • Creating a new healing garden and seating area for patients, visitors and employees

Healing Environment projects are conducted on a continual basis and will be announced at Holston Valley, Bristol Regional and Wellmont’s community hospitals. 

Download a Healing Environment newsletter to learn more.