Peconic Bay Medical Center has recently incorporated two programs into its patient care strategy that can truly be called “healing arts.” The programs offer music and art as therapeutic aids in promoting healing of patients in the hospital’s care.
Music by the Bedside is a collaboration between East End Arts musicians and palliative care patients in Peconic Bay Medical Center’s innovative Pegasus House Palliative Care program. The musicians at East End Arts play a part in the overall supportive treatment of the patient. Patients in the program music experience individual musical presentations, performed at their bedsides, for an intimate, one-on-one personal concert experience.
The Art Therapy Program allows patients to choose a piece of artwork from a selection of photographs of local East End landmarks as personalized art for their hospital room. This helps the patient’s room have a more personal unique appearance, rather than the usual standard appearance of a hospital room.
The Art Therapy program is run by volunteers who are specially selected for the program. They are trained to enter the patient’s room and speak with the patient about his or her interests, hobbies and pleasures in life. The patient looks through a catalog of photographs highlighting local East End landmarks and chooses a selection of an image. The photograph will be hung in the patient’s room for the entire stay. All photographs are from the personal collection of noted East End photographer Jim Lennon.
“Compassion and emotional support are our starting point in providing care for our patients,” said Andrew J. Mitchell, president and CEO of Peconic Bay Medical Center. “Yes, it’s true that we are making major investments in leading-edge medical equipment and advanced-technology capabilities, but healing happens best when people feel truly cared for. That’s what these programs are all about.”
Peconic Bay Medical Center is seeking more volunteers for The Art of Healing Program. The hospital is looking for personable, energetic men or women to dedicate one or two days per week at a total of two hours a day to participate in the program. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Office of Volunteer Services at 631-548-6021.
Source: Press release issued by Peconic Bay Medical Center dated June 12, 2017.
