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“Among those things are the healing
arts: music, visual arts and other forms
of art.”
Only the beginning
The first element of Simi Valley
Hospital’s new Healing Arts program
was a player piano that was placed in
the hospital’s main lobby last year. The
instrument was a gift from a community
donor, provided through the Simi Valley
Hospital Foundation.
Free for all
One of the most attractive features of Simi Valley
Hospital’s new Healing Arts program is that, thanks to
the Simi Valley Hospital Foundation, all of the services
offered to patients and visitors will be free of charge.
“This is part of the hospital’s commitment to
whole-person care, and the foundation is generously
supporting us in this endeavor,” said Ron Hyrchuk,
the hospital’s director of Spiritual Care Services. “We
want to help our patients and their loved ones heal
physically, emotionally and spiritually, and the Healing
Arts program is an important part of that commitment.”
Hyrchuk said the piano will be used
on occasion for brief musical programs
that entertain guests but also bring
about a calming atmosphere.
“In all aspects of the Healing
Arts program, we’re looking for
performances and displays that
specifically facilitate healing,” he said.
The hospital has also showcased the
visual art of local residents, including
a recent display of award-winning
photographs from local high school
students. More artwork from the
community is in the plan for future
displays.
“We hope to have designated
galleries in which we’ll display artwork
and maybe even have special events to
open those displays,” Hyrchuk said.
More to come
The hospital and the Simi Valley Hospital
Foundation are continuing to work
together on the further development of
the Healing Arts program. As the program
grows, Hyrchuk said, the team is looking
at adding certified music therapists. With
a doctor’s order, these specially trained
professionals visit inpatients to play
soothing music, which has been proven
to improve patients’ vital signs.
In addition, Hyrchuk said, the team is
looking at employing massage therapists
who will give hand and foot massages
to reduce anxiety and speed healing for
patients waiting to go into surgery.
Sandy Werner, director of Human
Resources at Simi Valley Hospital and an
accomplished musician, plays the piano
in the hospital’s main lobby during a
Simi Valley Hospital Foundation event
on October 7. The piano, a gift from
a generous community donor via the
foundation, is a centerpiece of the
hospital’s new Healing Arts program.
It was also the focus of an event on
November 11 to commemorate the
launch of the Healing Arts program.
MASSAGE AND MORE ADD A NEW ELEMENT
T SIMI VALLEY HOSPITAL