Patients at Metro Health Hospital are now able to fall asleep under a midnight starfield while soaking up the soothing sounds of nature, thanks to the C.A.R.E. Channel.
As part of the hospital's ongoing commitment to holistic healing, Metro Health offers the C.A.R.E Channel. The C.A.R.E. Channel, which is funded in part by the Metro Health Hospital Foundation, uses continuous relaxation techniques and visuals of aesthetic beauty to provide patients with a unique healing experience.
Soothing instrumental music created specifically for healing environments combined with images of nature will be broadcast, free of charge, on Channel 1 to create an in-room environment that helps support recovery, and that can improve comfort and rest by calming patients who are experiencing heightened anxiety and fear. Healthcare professionals say the C.A.R.E Channel can be an effective tool for nursing staff and physicians by offering a restful yet therapeutic alternative to commercial television while caring for others. Research has repeatedly validated the positive effects soothing music and calming visual images have on the recovery and healing process.
"The addition of the C.A.R.E Channel is just one more step toward enhancing the quality of care our patients have come to know and trust," said Ingrid Cheslek, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. "One of our main goals has always been to provide the most welcoming environment possible to help speed up the recovery and healing time of all of Metro Health's patients. The addition of the C.A.R.E. Channel is another distinctive feature that really differentiates the care we provide."
Featuring nature images and instrumental music that has been composed and produced specifically to support healing environments, the C.A.R.E. Channel is free of charge and is available 24 hours a day. It may be used upon admission, to reduce stress during and when returning from procedures, for in-room privacy, to improve restfulness by masking noises from hallways, and as an alternative to commercial television to help relieve boredom and distract the patient from anxiety and fear.
Funding for the C.A.R.E. Channel has been provided through generous gifts to the Metro Health Hospital Foundation.