Waterbury Hospital - Waterbury, Connecticut

Their Story
Waterbury Hospital is a community hospital serving an ethnically diverse population in the Waterbury, Connecticut, area. The ICU and cardiovascular unit (CVU) serve approximately 2,000 patients per year. A survey conducted with patients and their families identified the need for supportive and educational resources, a comfortable family waiting area, and family-friendly visiting policy. Waterbury Hospital was able to respond to the patient-related needs by revising the visiting policy and creating mobile “Almost Like Home” carts, which convert the ICU rooms into relaxing and home-like environments. For the family needs, the hospital approached The CHEST Foundation.

Through the CCFAP grant funding, Waterbury Hospital has developed the Family Assistance in Critical Events project to improve family services. The hospital has developed an ICU/CVU guide in English and Spanish to provide information to families regarding local hotels, restaurants and other services. Volunteers and social work students are being trained to act as ICU/CVU guides (day and evening), and the bereavement room is being renovated with more comfortable furniture. Staff are participating in cultural sensitivity and professional development seminars relating to crisis intervention and family situations.

Guided by the CCFAP, Waterbury Hospital is making important changes to its ICU and CVU and is proactively improving the family experience.