Officials say new 'green' hospital healthy for patients, planet earth

Published: 2006-07-10

NEWBERG, Ore. (CNS) -- Providence Health System's new hospital in Newberg is the greenest on the Pacific coast. The new $70-million Providence Newberg Medical Center has merged care for the patient and care for planet earth. The 175,000-square-foot, Catholic-run medical center is 25 miles southwest of Portland and will run on 100 percent wind power. It has specially treated windows, not only for views of the surrounding town and wooded hills, but also to aid in heating and cooling the facility. Courtyards allow more natural light, saving on electricity. Every patient room has some source of natural light. Sensors control air conditioning, lighting, ventilation and heating -- shutting off systems when no one is there. Air does not get recycled. It comes in fresh from outside. A place called a "healing garden," outside a cafe, affords patients, visitors and employees a view of nearby Parrett Mountain.

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .