The vision and wishes of staff on 11-tower to have a hospice suite for patients and families at McLaren Flint is now a reality. Danielle Lockhart, RN, former nurse manager of the floor, brought forth the idea to the McLaren Flint Foundation approximately two years ago.
“This is the most beautiful part of philanthropy,” said Doug Glazier, vice president of the McLaren Flint Foundation. “Staff approached me with the idea, I took it to hospital leadership, everyone agreed the project should move forward and it did. Almost immediately the fundraising began.”
In a matter of months, $150,000 was raised to turn a large corner room, 1107, into a tranquil, beautiful new space that is full of windows. The McLaren Flint auxiliary volunteer board as well as several individual auxiliary volunteers were instrumental in donating to the room, which is dedicated in honor of two of their past presidents. The placard recognizing these two ladies also has a butterfly on it, as they are known as a symbol of transformation, hope, life, and spirit and are often associated with hospice care.
Room amenities for the patients’ family members include couches and window benches that transform into sleeping stations, a shower, and a large wall monitor for virtual visits with friends and loved ones who cannot visit in person.
“Caring for a loved one at the end of life is a daunting task and that can elicit great anxiety for families and caregivers,” said Jim Williams, PhD, RN, chief nursing officer at McLaren Flint. While many may choose to bring their loved ones home, there are some patients that need in-hospital care. Our hospice room was created to bring a calming and reflective environment for end-of-life care while providing very necessary individualized, nursing care.
“McLaren Flint strives to always do what’s best for our patients, and with this room we believe we will be giving our patients and their families the best care at a very vulnerable time.”
The room opened in late November and is available to patients throughout the hospital, not only those being cared for on 11-tower.
If you see a need that the McLaren Flint Foundation may be able to assist with or would like to see if there is a fund or project you can support, please call the Foundation at (810) 342-4087.