New C.A.R.E. Channel 78 Offers a “Healing Environment” for Patients

Patients at Holland Hospital are now able to benefit from the healing powers of nature and quiet, soothing music with a click of the remote control.

The new C.A.R.E. Channel 78, available on all televisions throughout the hospital, is a recent addition to the hospital’s Healing Environment programs. Short for Continuous Ambient Relaxation Environment, the C.A.R.E. Channel provides a steady stream of beautiful nature scenes accompanied by soft instrumental music.

To use it, all a patient, visitor or staff member has to do is turn on the TV and tune in to channel 78. The moving images are paced to coincide with the time of day or night, with sunrise views in the morning and twinkling star fields for overnight broadcast. The program’s music has been composed specifically to support healing environments.

The 24-hour ambient programming provides a restful alternative to commercial television and can be useful in helping patients and their families cope with stress and illness, said Jillian Mead, Healing Environment coordinator, who helped implement the new system.

“The cinematography is beautiful. Its intention, along with the music, is to soothe and comfort,” Mead said.  “It will be a great tool for nursing staff to utilize in various clinical situations.”

The C.A.R.E. Channel is provided by Nevada-based Healing Healthcare Systems. Hospitals using the system have reported reductions in the use of pain medication, improved quality of rest for patients and lower stress levels.

“This is a wonderful addition to an already strong Healing Environment program,” said Patti VanDort, vice president and chief nursing officer. “It fits right in with our commitment to enhance patient healing on all levels.”

Suggested uses for C.A.R.E. Channel 78 include:

• To present a welcoming environment when a patient is first brought to his/her room;
• To comfort patients when returning to their room following a procedure;
• To minimize distractions from hospital noises;
• To improve restfulness if a patient has difficulty sleeping;
• Any time a patient or visitor could benefit from peaceful images and music.

Back to Spiritual Care Services