Healing gardens are an increasingly popular amenity at hospitals, and Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center recently celebrated its addition to the growing trend by dedicating “The Great Escape,” a pediatric outdoor play area for patients and their families.
“An outdoor play area for hospitalized children helps promote normal growth and development,” said Michelle Winters, Banner Thunderbird director of pediatrics and NICU. “Instead of rapidly reaching milestones and continuing normal development, children in the hospital have a tendency to take a few steps backward in their growth and development. A variety of play opportunities can help avoid physical and emotional regression.”
McCarthy, the construction company overseeing the hospital’s major renovation, donated labor and materials to help the playground come to fruition. Healing gardens have become fixtures in many of McCarthy’s healthcare projects, including Rachel’s Courtyard at Albuquerque Presbyterian Hospital and the recently dedicated Women’s Garden at Banner Gateway Hospital in Gilbert.
“We enjoy participating in efforts on behalf of our clients that bring added value – and clearly the impact of this special place will be felt by many here at the hospital,” said McCarthy Project Director Chris Jacobson.
Research studies show the need for hospitalized patients to get out of their hospital rooms and enjoy fresh air, see the sky and feel the sun. Access to the outdoors and to nature helps patients get better faster, need less pain medication and have a more positive outlook on their prognosis and overall medical care.
About McCarthy
Founded in 1864, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest privately held commercial construction companies and has been ranked among the top five national hospital construction companies by Modern Healthcare since the magazine began its annual ranking more than 30 years ago. The company provides general contracting, construction management, program management and design/build services for healthcare, education, parking, entertainment, retail, laboratory, biotechnical, microelectronic, and industrial facilities; green buildings; office buildings; tenant interiors; mixed-use; and bridges and highways. McCarthy is 100 percent employee owned. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com.
