The emotional side of healing

Click here for The Campaign for Tobey: A Legacy of Community Support

Distinctive elements of the new Tobey seek to extend beyond the physical aspect of healing into the emotional realm.

A specially designed Healing Garden and aquarium help soothe the psyches of patients, staff and visitors alike.

The Healing Garden flanks both sides of the hospital's main entrance and extends to the new wing, offering paths for walking and semi-secluded areas where people can sit quietly. The glass exterior wall of the new Operating Rooms waiting area affords a view of the garden and will be decorated with plants and trees to extend the atmosphere of the garden indoors. The design will shelter visitors from the street once they enter the garden, providing respite and solace.

The garden was made possible by a generous donation from Charlie and Christina Bascom, of Marion, and was designed by landscape architect and former Marion resident Anna VanLynden.

"Hospitals can be tough places to spend time," Charlie Bascom said. "People are often not there for happy occasions. We hope that the garden will provide a softer experience and a place for people to relax."

A striking feature of the new ICU is the 150-gallon aquarium located in the patient waiting area. The freshwater aquarium has been designed to imitate a saltwater environment to echo the ocean community. It has been stocked with fish specially selected for color and visual interest.

"Aquariums are very popular in hospitals and doctor's offices," said Robert Quirk, RN, Manager of Tobey's ED and ICU. "They have great entertainment value and can do wonders to reduce stress."

Address

43 High Street
Wareham, MA 02571
508-295-0880
Click here for directions