Dignity Health St. John’s Hospitals Create Relaxation Lounges to Offer Respite to Health Care Staff

Respite spaces provide tranquility to physicians, nurses, and staff during COVID-19 pandemic

OXNARD, CA – April 21, 2020 – St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital (SJPVH) and St. John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC), members of Dignity Health, have created a relaxation lounge at each campus for staff. The newly conceived space is designed to provide staff a space of respite and quiet during these considerably stressful times. The tranquil spaces are filled with items provided by the hospital gift shops, as well as items from an outpouring of community donations.

The lounges, separate from the standard break room, were designed to allow staff the opportunity to step away from their unit/department to take a mental break and enjoy a moment of relaxation in a peaceful environment.

“Our care team devotes much of their time to the care and wellbeing of our patients, often putting themselves second,” said Darren Lee, President and CEO of St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center. “We hope this space will offer our team a place of comfort and peace when they need it most, especially during this pandemic.”

Gift shop managers at each campus spent several days perfecting the lounges, which are quiet, and include greenery, aromatherapy, snacks, and comfortable seating. The lounge at SJPVH is located in the Cancer Resource Center and along the corridor off the main lobby, overlooking the Healing Garden at SJRMC.

###

About Dignity Health St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital and St. John’s Regional Medical Center
St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo and St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard are members of Dignity Health Central Coast, an integrated network of top quality hospitals, with physicians from the most prestigious medical schools, and comprehensive outpatient services - all recognized for quality, safety and service. Both hospitals are supported by an active philanthropic Foundation to help meet the growing health care needs of our communities. Hospitals in the Dignity Health Central Coast region also include Arroyo Grande Community Hospital in Arroyo Grande, French Hospital Medical Center in San Luis Obispo, Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria.

Learn more at DignityHealth.org/PleasantValley and DignityHealth.org/StJohnsRegional.