Healing Environment
Billings Clinic's Healing Environment combines the science and technology of medicine with the aesthetics of the arts to create and sustain an atmosphere and attitude of healing. Music, art, literature, building design and human interaction combine to enhance our medical foundation model of providing care for the whole person.
Evidence-based Optimal Healing Environments are designed to stimulate and support the inherent healing capacity of patients, families, and their care providers. It consists of people, relationships, behaviors, and surrounding physical environments. We use the healing environment as a guide to design and construct environments to support and stimulate health and healing, comfort and care.
Healing spaces may consider light quality, sounds, temperature. Nature is a key component to healing environments.
For more information, call (406) 657-4677.
DESIGN: All building materials, even the paint colors on our walls, seen in our public corridors, waiting areas and exam rooms are intentionally chosen to represent consistent design themes based on our natural surroundings and landscapes, such as the Montana plains, right here in Billings, Montana and the outlying areas. Colors representing our rims, grasslands, foothills, river, and big sky. Our design work has a focus on safety as we work with our infection control and maintenance teams, contractors and suppliers, to pick furniture, flooring, and fabrics that are higher performing and are easily cleaned and maintained in order to reduce infection risk. Read more about our Design Guiding Principles.
HEALING GARDENS: Located in several locations around our campus are gardens that flourish with local flora of Montana, complete with running water, and often birds and waterfowl. The ability to immerse yourself in the healing power of nature right here on our campus is very intentional.
TROUT EXHIBIT: Located just inside the North entrance to our hospital, children and adults alike enjoy our trout exhibit with local species of trout that can be found in our lakes and streams. The “fish tank” is also often used as a wayfinding marker.
ART IN HEALTHCARE: Original and collected works of art from local and regional artists, Billings Clinic physicians, staff members and former patients adorn the hallways of two galleries located in Billings Clinic’s hospital and clinic. The works of art and photography are carefully chosen to share images of nature or works of art that represent our beautiful natural surroundings as well as the diverse people we serve.
QUIET SANCTUARIES/FAMILY ROOMS: Several inpatient units such as the ICU and CVU as well as a space adjacent to our Cancer Center waiting area, and another just west of our trout exhibit in the hospital, offer quiet sanctuaries where guests can find some peace when needed. A warm design aspect, comfortable furniture, and dimmed lighting promotes calm, privacy, and healing. Some of these also have a fireplace.
MUSIC: Recent medical studies show that music can benefit healing. Music has been shown to slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce levels of stress hormones. Research suggests that music may promote the brain's ability to make new connections between nerve cells. Patients, family members and friends can listen to soothing sounds emanating from a donated baby grand piano conveniently located in the hospital cafeteria. We also have a baby grand piano located in the clinic Commons. We host events where musicians are invited to come play music or sing in these locations for all our patients, guests, and staff to enjoy.
FOOD/NOURISHMENT: Through the main caféteria, the Common Bistro, and most importantly our made to order patient room service, our team of Culinary and Nutrition Experts at Billings Clinic provide nourishing meals that are delicious and comforting.
