Saturday 18th May, 2008, posted by Louise Chaplin

ITEM OF INTEREST: TALK

Health is a Spiritual Reality
Speaker: Heloisa Gelber Rivas, practitioner and teacher of Christian Science healing
19th June, 7.00pm
at Second Church of Christ, Scientists, London, 104 Palace Gardens Terrace, W8 4RT

Monday 5th May, 2008, posted by Louise Chaplin

ITEM OF INTEREST: CONFERENCE  'Spirituality, Culture and Identity: An Approach to Care'
For more info: www.worc.ac.uk

Wednesday 30th April, 2008, posted by Louise Chaplin

On the London News, yesterday, they highlighted a new Maggie's Centre that opened near Charing Cross Hospital, designed by Richard Rogers.  Here's what he has to say about the design “I hope to create something that is much more than a support centre, more homely, more welcoming, more comfortable, more thought provoking and more uplifting” 
I suggest to go to Maggie's website, www.maggiescentres.org, which has a lot of photos on it, and find out about what is good design for nursing faculties. 
 

Saturday, 19th April, 2008, posted by Louise Chaplin

Check out May 2008's The Christian Science Journal - it has an article about Christian Science Nursing by Eva Boone Hussey, who was a nurse for nearly 30 years.  I think its the best article on Christian Science nursing I've ever read.  I love where she says 'Christian Science nurses are first and foremost bold spiritual thinkers'.

Sunday 13th April, 2008, posted by Louise Chaplin

THE CHRIST-SPIRIT WHICH BRINGS HEALING

'...dawn symbolized the activity of the Christ. Before it darkness fled.....Nothing could stop the dawn , because it impelled by the power which governs the universe...'

This is from an inspiring article by L. Ivimy Gwalter.

She goes on to say '...The Christ...shows forth God's infinite knowing - the glory of spiritual being, the radiance of spiritual might.'

To read this article in full, and others, buy the Anthology of Classic Articles from any Christian Science Reading Room.

Thursday, 10 April, 2008, posted by Louise Chaplin

ITEM OF INTEREST

Nurses unite to dedicate themselves to creating a healthy world and recognising the contribution of Florence Nightingale to nursing.  Check it out: www.nightingaledeclaration.net

Wednesday, 11th April, 2008, posted by Louise Chaplin

HEALING INTERIORS

Well designed interiors can encourage healing.   Overall, interiors need to be bright, uncomplicated but at the same time interesting. When considering design and decoration for the sick-room it must be taken into account that patients may spend a lot of time in the same space during the day.

·    Rooms should be full of light; ideally natural light coming from big windows.  For the night hours artificial lighting needs to be plentiful.  Atmospheric lighting or lighting that creates drama such as uplighters should be considered, as well as directional lighting that lights up work areas.

·    Add appealing and motivating features such as inspiring pictures or areas of colours such as one wall painted a strong colour.  

·    Having a view on nature – for the patient to watch the divine Creator at work effortlessly.  Provide plants and trees with interesting colours and shapes to look at.  Outside furniture, railings and patio flooring should be kept clean and in good repair, as should everything inside the room.

·    Avoid busy patterns  - simplicity promotes calm and peace.  Patterns may hide dirt but is it not better to keep things clean rather than hide dirt?

Also interiors need to be ergonomically sound for use of wheelchairs, shower chairs, mechanical lifters etc – wide doors, spacious areas to move with ease in the room and low pile carpets, low mirror and basins for use whilst sitting in a chair.  Plenty of grab rails to encourage independent movement need including.