News Releases

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital, as well as hospitals and healthcare organizations around the world this October will commemorate the third annual Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month.

Recognizing statewide efforts to foster a patient-centered healthcare system, Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed a proclamation for the State of Michigan and acknowledging Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital’s commitment to these values and approach to care.

“In an industry where business as usual is often based on staff convenience than patient comfort, reorienting daily routines and standard processes to a more patient-centered approach can challenge long-held conventions,” said Susan Frampton, president of Planetree. “During Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month, we applaud organizations like Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital that have embarked on this journey to transform the way patients and families experience healthcare. Ultimately when patients report that they feel they are being treated with dignity, respect and compassion, when families express gratitude for being treated as full partners in care, and when healthcare providers are prideful of their work, the rewards are vibrant and uplifting.”

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital has been actively engaged in implementing the Planetree model for the past few years, focusing on service excellence and providing meaningful opportunities for patients and families to be actively involved in their care, such as:

• Computer kiosks with internet connection in the ER and radiation therapy center lobbies and family room to provide patients, families, and community members increased access to meaningful information.
• Flexible, 24-hour, patient-directed visiting hours.
• A special room just for families, allowing them to stay close to their loved one – that offers a full kitchen and lounge area.
• Art exhibits, volunteer baking program, and pet therapy as therapeutic distractions to offer enjoyment to enhance the clinical environment.
• A volunteer chaplain to provide support of spiritual needs.

“The Planetree model of care is what sets this hospital apart from other facilities,” says Sam Daugherty, Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital president. “It’s not just a set of standards and policies; Planetree is a pleasant experience from the moment you walk through the door.”

Several activities are planned to celebrate patient-centered care during October. They include:

• Extra pampering for women who receive mammograms during the month.
• A pet therapy parade for patients and visitors to enjoy.
• Freshly baked Halloween cookies distributed on the last Tuesday in October.
• A special recognition ceremony for employees that go above and beyond in modeling patient-centered care.
• Display of artfully carved pumpkins for patients and visitors to view.

Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital is a 25 bed acute care hospital located in Reed City, Mich. that has adopted the Planetree approach to care giving.   A model of patient centered care in a healing environment, staff is committed to improving medical care from the patient’s perspective, empowering patients and families through education, information and encouraging healing partnerships with caregivers.    Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital offers a newly renovated emergency department with private treatment rooms, an expanded medical imaging department, a regional cancer treatment center and an Eden Care award winning 54 bed rehab and nursing facility.   Spectrum Health Reed City Hospital has been recognized for its quality care by the Michigan Quality Improvement Organization and has earned the Governor’s Award of Excellence for Improving Care in the Hospital Setting for 3 consecutive years, the Total Benchmark Solution quality award for 2005 and the 2006 and 2007 VHA Leadership Award for clinical excellence.