NEWS RELEASE: March 10, 2004

LEADER IN PATIENT-CENTERED CARE MOVEMENT ADDS AFFILIATES TO THE INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIP, ASKED TO SPEAK AT W.H.O. IN RUSSIA

The Planetree Model of Patient-Centered Care is adding even more affiliates to the international Planetree Alliance.

Aurora Sinai Medical Center in Wisconsin, Kadlech Medical Center in Washington, and Mitchell County Memorial Hospital in Iowa, have joined the Planetree Alliance bringing the membership to 83 members throughout the United States and The Netherlands.

Planetree’s international reputation continues to grow and generate inquiries in the United States, as well as Europe, Asia and India. Planetree President Susan Frampton and Director of the Planetree Alliance Laura Gilpin have been asked to speak at the World Health Organization’s 12th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals in Moscow, Russia.

“Healthcare is experiencing some of its most challenging times, and with the challenge, comes opportunity. Members of the Planetree National Alliance continue to lead innovation in patient-centered care. We have been provided an unprecedented opportunity to shape a more compassionate, respectful and open health care system”, said Susan B. Frampton, Ph.D., president of Planetree. “Planetree and its affiliates are a part of the quarter century of commitment that honors the patient’s perspective in healthcare. From its humble beginnings 25 years ago as a vision of a single patient, to its growing presence in over 83 hospitals, clinics, health resource centers and long-term care centers around the country, Planetree has truly changed the face of healthcare. By listening to what patients want in the health care environment and networking with alliance members, Planetree affiliates have created some of the most healing hospitals in the country. They recognize that patients have a choice about where they will go for care, and that they are looking for more than just advanced technology and a good clinical outcome.”

Planetree is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its founding by Angelica Thieriot; an Argentinean appalled by what she felt was cold, impersonal, dehumanizing medical care she received when she was hospitalized in the United States for a rare virus. Thieriot began a crusade that resulted in the founding of Planetree, dedicated to improving the hospital experience for patients and their families.

The Planetree philosophy embodies the holistic, patient-centered care model, which is increasingly evident at health organizations across the country. It changes the way patients and their families traditionally experience health care and is committed to improving medical care from the patient’s perspective. Patients and families are empowered and have access to information so they can become more active participants in decisions affecting their health and well being. Many Affiliates have Planetree Health Resource Centers open to the community. These Resource Centers offer electronic, print and audio/video health and medical information on a wide range of topics, including complementary therapies and support groups. (The planetree is the sycamore tree Hippocrates taught medicine under in ancient Greece.)

Planetree Affiliates have hosted tour groups from around the world -- countries as far away as Israel, China, the United Kingdom, and Canada, as well as hundreds of facilities from around the United States – all of whom come to learn about innovative Planetree patient-centered programs, services, and award-winning healing environments.

For more information about Planetree and the Affiliates in the Planetree Alliance, visit our website at www.planetree.org.

For more information about the Planetree organization or to obtain a copy of a video, contact Lisa Donnarumma, 130 Division Street, Derby, CT 06418, telephone: 203-732-1377. Or visit the Planetree website at www.planetree.org.