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March 2, 2006
Hospitals’ new child-friendly
playrooms aim to minimize traumatic effects
of illness and hospitalization
(Kingston, Ont.--) The Pediatric
programs at Hotel Dieu Hospital and Kingston
General Hospital today launched the first
of five child-friendly playrooms being renovated
to address the emotional needs of children
receiving care in hospital.
Bright, inviting and designed to address
the needs of children and youth of all ages
and abilities, the inpatient pediatric unit
playroom at Kingston General Hospital is
the first space to be updated with generous
support from the Kinsmen Club of Kingston.
The Kinsmen Club is donating proceeds from
this year's Dream Home Draw to Kingston
Hospitals Joint Advancement Foundation to
fund the playroom renovations at Hotel Dieu
and KGH.
“We know that play helps children work
out a wide range of feelings such as fear,
anger, and sadness and has a very positive
impact on healing,” said Astrid Strong,
Manager of Child Life Programs for Hotel
Dieu and KGH. “Hospitalized children and
children who spend countless hours in outpatient
clinics are often coping with pain, separation,
and an unfamiliar environment. It is important
to have play areas that are designed and
stocked with games and toys that appeal
to all age groups and abilities. Every bit
of normal is reassuring; it brings comfort.”
Along with the inpatient pediatric unit,
KGH will renovate the playroom in the children’s
cancer outpatient clinic. Renovations at
Hotel Dieu include the playroom in the Children’s
Outpatient Centre, an ambulatory setting
that treats more than 24,000 children a
year; the recreation room in the Adolescent
Psychiatry unit, which treats children and
adolescents up to 18 years of age; and an
area in the Day Surgery unit, where children
awaiting surgery - such as such as having
their tonsils removed - are often anxious
and afraid.
“We are extremely grateful to the Kinsmen
Club for deciding to donate funds from this
year’s Dream House Draw to renovate the
playrooms,” said Denise Cumming, Director,
Kingston Hospitals Joint Advancement Foundation.
“The Kinsmen, and everyone who buys a Dream
Home ticket, will help ensure our youngest
patients’ hospital experience is less traumatic
-- and as positive and comfortable as possible.”
“The Kinsmen wanted to do something to help
ensure that children in our community have
access to the best environment while in
hospital,” said Peter Butler, Kinsmen life-member.
“We recognize that children often feel lonely,
bored or afraid while in hospital, so we
wanted to do our part through the Dream
House Draw to provide a comfortable space
for children to spend time while in hospital.”
The Kingston Hospitals Joint Advancement
Foundation works with the community to raise
money for Kingston hospitals’ ongoing needs
for equipment, education and research to
significantly improve patient care. Hotel
Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital
and the Cancer Centre, and Providence Continuing
Care Centre work together as partners in
Kingston’s health sciences centre to provide
highly specialized and compassionate care
to more than 500,000 people in Southeastern
Ontario.
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Contact: Nancy Druick, Kingston Hospitals
Joint Advancement Foundation, 549-5452,
ext. 5918.
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