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Local hospital uses nature to heal patients

By WEEK Producer
July 24, 2012 Updated Jul 25, 2012 at 12:22 PM CDT

PEORIA, Ill. -- A local hospital is using the power of nature to heal its patients.

At the end of the summer, work will begin on the Plane tree Healing Garden at Proctor Hospital.

Officials held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday to commemorate the site.

The garden will include water features and sitting areas for group or individual reflection. Plane trees, a type of sycamore tree, will also be planted.

"It's just one aspect of providing quality health care to every patient and what better way to have, perhaps three out of the four seasons, it'll be used quite heavily," said David Wentworth, Chairman of Proctor Health Care Foundation. "And even in winter there's going to be some elements and be able to pop out here in winter as well."

The $150,000 garden is funded by donations and grants. Completion of the project is expected in early Spring.

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