By Healthcare Facilities Today

Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, is now housed under a green roof of lush plants.  Many patient rooms face the 2,500 square-foot rooftop terrace green roof, which features a courtyard for the enjoyment of patients and their families.  

Patients and their visitors can see the park-like setting from over 84 patient rooms, multiple waiting rooms, and visitor lounges, according to a news release.  While most renovations are focused on improving work flow or updating areas, this renovation stemmed from a desire to provide naturally healing and calming space for visitors, patients and staff.

 “With the completion of the roof top garden, I believe it will reduce stress with our employees and improve the outcomes of some of our patients, while improving the experience for all patients and their families.  This will be a place to relax and enjoy a tranquil distraction within our complex," Jennifer Yockey, MSN, a CIC infection control nurse with Mercy, said in the release.

 "In addition to the benefits to the patients, their families and staff, the roof will help reduce noise pollution, minimize water runoff and provide a wildlife habit for birds and bees.  These systems will be enjoyed by generations to come," said Dan Cartell, of Corso’s Perennials, which installed the LiveRoof Hybrid Green Roof system, already planted with mature regionally adapted and locally cultivated plants. 

"The space seemed perfect for this endeavor.  The totally enclosed area was previously a drab ‘concrete jungle’ that was just not utilized.  Now it is like the signature hole on a golf course,” Todd Kwapich, Mercy project coordinator, said.