Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia has officially opened a newly renovated outdoor area for its patients and their families. The project was completed through a partnership with Panda Express, providing a dedicated space for relaxation and recovery outside of the traditional hospital setting.
The grand opening ceremony on Wednesday marked the culmination of a collaborative effort aimed at improving the hospital experience for children undergoing treatment. This initiative is part of a long-standing relationship between the restaurant chain and the Children’s Miracle Network.
Key Takeaways
- Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia unveiled a new outdoor patient area on its fourth floor.
- The renovation was funded by Panda Express through its Panda Cares Program.
- Local Panda Express partners have contributed nearly $475,000 to the hospital over the years.
- The space is designed to offer a therapeutic environment with greenery, seating, and views of Augusta.
Details of the New Outdoor Facility
The revitalized area is strategically located on the fourth floor of the hospital, directly connected to the indoor playroom. This design allows for easy and safe access for young patients, including those with limited mobility, providing a seamless transition from indoor activities to an open-air environment.
According to a news release from Wellstar, the space includes several features designed for comfort and tranquility. It offers greenery and landscaped elements, creating a natural oasis within the medical campus. Families can use new picnic tables for meals or activities, and large, colorful sails provide ample shade from the sun.
The location also provides patients and their families with expansive views of the Wellstar campus and downtown Augusta, offering a visual escape from the clinical surroundings of a hospital room.
The Role of Therapeutic Spaces in Healing
Medical experts increasingly recognize the importance of non-clinical environments in patient recovery, particularly for children. Access to nature, fresh air, and spaces that encourage family interaction can significantly reduce stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization. These therapeutic areas help normalize the hospital experience and support the emotional well-being of both patients and their caregivers.
A Partnership for Patient Well-being
The collaboration between Wellstar Children's Hospital and Panda Express highlights a shared commitment to pediatric health. The project was developed to address the need for a dedicated outdoor sanctuary where children and their families could find a moment of peace during what is often a stressful and difficult time.
Hospital administrators have emphasized the positive impact such facilities can have on a child's healing process. By creating a space that feels less like a medical facility and more like a park or backyard, the hospital aims to improve the overall patient experience and support mental health alongside physical treatment.
The area is intended to be a multi-purpose space. It can serve as a quiet place for reflection, a location for families to eat together, or simply a spot for a child to feel a sense of normalcy and play outdoors in a safe, controlled environment.
Panda Cares and Community Support
The funding for this significant renovation comes from the Panda Cares Program, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express. This initiative is part of a national partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization that raises funds for children's hospitals across North America.
Panda Express first partnered with the Children’s Miracle Network in 2014. Since then, the program has become a cornerstone of the company's community outreach efforts. Funds are raised primarily through in-store donations from customers and contributions from employees.
Significant Local Impact
According to Wellstar, local Panda Express partners and their customers have donated nearly $475,000 to support patients at Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia. These funds are designated for various programs and facility improvements that directly benefit the children receiving care.
This long-term financial support demonstrates a sustained commitment to the local Augusta community. The new outdoor space is one of the most visible results of this partnership, transforming a previously underutilized area into a valuable asset for the hospital's patients.
The Importance of Healing Environments
The creation of this outdoor space aligns with a growing body of research on the benefits of healing environments in healthcare. Studies have shown that exposure to natural elements can have a measurable positive effect on patient outcomes.
Benefits for Pediatric Patients
For children, the hospital environment can be particularly intimidating. The constant presence of medical equipment, unfamiliar faces, and separation from home and school can cause significant emotional distress. Spaces like the new outdoor area offer numerous benefits:
- Stress Reduction: Time spent outdoors has been linked to lower levels of cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone.
- Improved Mood: Natural light and fresh air can improve mood and combat feelings of depression or confinement.
- Pain Management: Engaging with a pleasant, distracting environment can help reduce a child's perception of pain.
- Family Connection: The space provides a comfortable setting for families to spend quality time together away from the bedside, strengthening support systems.
By investing in facilities that cater to the holistic needs of patients, hospitals like Wellstar are embracing a more patient-centered model of care. This approach acknowledges that healing involves more than just medical treatment; it also requires attention to the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of the individual.
The new garden and patio area at Wellstar Children's Hospital stands as a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when corporate partners and healthcare institutions work together for the good of the community.