Scott & White Hospital in Round Rock Unveils Plan for Healing Garden

ROUND ROCK, Texas — Scott & White Hospital – Round Rock (roundrock.sw.org) held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Healing Garden. Texas State Representative Dan Gattis, Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw, and Georgetown Mayor George Carver joined hospital and regional clinic staff for the festivities.

The Healing Garden is expected to be completed by late Fall 2009. Plants and trees indigenous to Texas, including live oak, crape myrtle and drake elm, are part of the plan for the garden. Additionally, a children’s area surrounded by three bronze sculptures will be located in the Healing Garden. A volunteer will read books to children on a weekly basis.

“With the opening of Scott & White’s Round Rock facility just two years ago, the organization is now taking things one step further by utilizing visual arts to create a soothing, healing environment,” says Ernie Bovio, CEO of Scott & White Round Rock. “We’re seeking to transform the experience of health care, to facilitate healing by alleviating stress and creating a peaceful, nurturing environment for both patients and staff.”

Patients will be able to enjoy views of the Healing Garden from hospital room windows. They can also take walks in the garden, and sit outside for prayer, meditation and reflection.

“A healing atmosphere has been proven to help patients recover faster from hospitalizations, reduce the need for pain medication and help shorten hospital stays, not to mention reducing anxiety and fear,” said Dudley Baker, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Scott & White Round Rock. “The Healing Garden will bring the beauty and peaceful sounds of nature into the hospital environment, as well as provide a sanctuary for meditation and rest. The therapeutic setting will hopefully benefit everyone, including patients, families, and staff.”

The landscape architecture firm for the Scott & White Round Rock garden is rVi planning + landscape architecture + graphic design. Scott & White Memorial Hospital in Temple also has a healing garden. For more information, please call 512-468-3589.

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