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The Serenity Suite at Saint Francis Hospital was truly a labor of love for the hospital for over three years. The Saint Francis Foundation Board wanted the hospital staff to know there is a community of people who care for them. Saint Francis Hospital is a mission-driven organization that cares for patients’ bodies, minds, and spirits. The caregivers deserve that same attention.

We completed work here in the spring, but the hospital’s furniture didn’t arrive until September, allowing them to open the space to their employees at the beginning of October.

Donors to the Serenity Suite, including Jeff Palmer (far left), cut the ribbon!

In support of the healthcare workers, we donated our nominal fee back to the hospital to use towards the project, which was funded solely through philanthropic dollars.  

Tim Stanton, Regional Vice President of Philanthropy for Saint Francis Hospital and Trinity Health of New England, calls the space a “thoughtful investment in our colleagues.”

The Serenity Suite includes a room with a large screen to view and listen to various nature scenes, a small yoga room, and a small renewal room. Access to a calming environment supports mental health by reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm. The hospital staff can return to their duties with renewed focus and energy, which enhances the quality of care Saint Francis provides to its patients.

Valerie Powell-Stafford, President of Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, commented, “Taking care of our colleagues is a priority so they can be in a position to really care for our patients. You must take care of yourself before you take care of others.”

Trinity Health of New England piloted the Serenity Suite at a smaller hospital. That space gets more than 700 visits each month.

Transforming a few offices into a calming environment to support mental health and enhance the well-being of the hospital staff will be a worthy investment for Saint Francis Hospital. In the first two weeks it was open, the Serenity Suite had over 2,200 visits. Users have called it a “game changer” and “lifesaver”.

If you’d like to talk with us about how you might be able to add a space like the Serenity Suite to your healthcare facility or senior living community, please contact us.