In the midst of life's most challenging seasons, sometimes it's the simplest things that provide the greatest comfort. At Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH), a thoughtful initiative to revitalize the palliative care unit has transformed clinical spaces into environments that offer both patients and families moments of peace and connection with the natural world.
Dan’s relationship with JBH began in 2022 when his wife Dawn was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. Throughout her six-month treatment journey, Dan was struck by the compassionate care they received. After Dawn's passing, Dan chose to become a Patient Family Advisor (PFA), so he could give back to the hospital. "I thought this might be a good way to use our experience to help others in a similar situation," he explained. "When life gives you lemons, maybe you can make lemonade."
As a Patient Family Advisor (PFA), Dan joined the Post Acute Program Quality Committee, a group responsible for overseeing and ensuring the quality of patient care and safety. While patients and their loved ones could enjoy JBH’s picturesque location along the blue shores of Lake Ontario, the hospital had received feedback that a few improvements to the interior of the palliative care unit could make a real difference.
"Having accompanied my wife during her treatment, I was very aware of the beautiful natural setting of JBH and the comfort from being able to see the natural environment through the windows," Dan shared. "The natural environment and the changing seasons became the obvious theme for the murals."
Bryan, a JBH clinical manager who worked closely with Dan on the project, said that the revamp was a true collaboration between patients, families, JBH staff, and PFAs like Dan. "The focus was to improve patient and family experience during end-of-life care and create a real sense of community between our patients, families, and staff."
Dan made a unique contribution to this work. "I believe that I brought the perspective of someone who had actually witnessed end-of-life care at the hospital and who spent long hours with my wife and my own thoughts," he reflected. Every detail was thoughtfully considered. The team even wrestled with the selection of seasonal images, some of which might be too closely associated with end of life.
The collaborative approach extended beyond just the murals. The revamp included new paint to match the murals, improved lighting, and carefully selected artwork to "bring the outside in."
"I believe that looking at beautiful scenes of nature helps us to see and remember the beauty of life and feel gratitude for that life," Dan said. "The murals provide a positive distraction from your own thoughts about end of life and grief."
Studies have shown that art can reduce stress, anxiety and even pain levels – improving a person’s well-being. "Utilizing the murals by 'bringing the outdoors in' allows patients and families to have a sense of connection with nature," Bryan said.
Dan's experience as a PFA has given him insights into the unique role patients can play in hospital improvement. "PFA’s can help the hospital staff 'see' the hospital. We bring the patient and family voice to the table to ensure all perspectives are captured."
For patients and families facing life's most difficult moments at Joseph Brant Hospital, these thoughtfully designed spaces now offer a glimpse of the natural beauty that exists beyond hospital walls—a reminder of life's continuing beauty even in its final chapters.