Healing Environment

The Healing Environment of the Riley Heart Center

A special place where the level of comfort equals the level of care

Within the Riley Heart Center, healing is cultivated through a conscious blend of architectural design, interior space planning and entertainment technology. Family and patient comfort exists in concert with caregiver efficiency.

The design has as its foundation an extensive analysis of clinical tasks as well as detailed study of other high-performing clinical environments, including those at Riley Hospital.

A primary goal was to create a space that eased the fears parents feel when their child is seriously ill. Because this should be a calming place, the unit is designed to be quieter with less visible activity. Satellite caregiver stations keep nurses close to the patient rooms ? meaning every patient room is just a few steps away.

The family waiting room is open and inviting. There is room to gather around and talk and to spread out a board game and play. Comfortable chairs are all around. There is a fireplace that constantly offers warmth, both physical and emotional.

There are laundry facilities for families, and Internet-ready computers available to help family members keep in touch.

Coordinated comfort inside patient rooms

Each patient room is a condensed version of the larger unit: comfort and caregiver efficiencies are united.

Within every room, three distinct zones have been created to allow patients, families and caregivers to do what they need to do most. Patients need a calm, comfortable space. Parents need a place to sit, sleep and retreat to when the caregiver has tasks to perform. The caregiver needs room to work and equipment that is within easy reach. These diverse needs are all perfectly balanced in each patient room.

Each room is private and appointed with the same warm wood finishes and high-end amenities as the unit itself.