Putting smiles on the faces of NBRHC’s littlest clients

Smilezone Foundation revitalizes three different spaces at Wordplay Jeux de mots site

The North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) unveiled three revitalized spaces at its Wordplay Jeux de mots site in Sudbury today.

Generously donated by the Smilezone Foundation, Wordplay Jeux de mots now boasts a refreshed and welcoming Main Waiting room, Infant Hearing Screening room and Group Programming room featuring new wall murals, vibrant paint, custom furniture, storage and equipment.

The preschool-aged children and their families were previously greeted with plain tables and chairs surrounded by white walls. Now the new Smilezones create a more fun, interactive and functional space for the young clients to enjoy. Over 1,700 families annually are expected to benefit from the new Smilezones in the new year.

Before the main waiting room at Wordplay was a plain and simple environment.

Now children and their families are greeted with new wall murals, vibrant paint, custom furniture and equipment.

A four-year old client of Wordplay Jeux de mots was so enchanted and excited by the murals that most of the session was completed in the waiting room. He pointed to many of the animals, and repeatedly commented “Regarde, (Look) Grand-maman” with a huge smile on his face.  Since the Smilezone’s were opened, families at Wordplay Jeux de mots are constantly commenting on how the transformation has created a happier, more engaging and welcoming space.  The littlest clients can be heard saying, “Wow, this is amazing!”, “I like moose” and “What’s that?”.

Scott Bachly, Chair of the Smilezone Foundation says their organization is honoured to brighten the experience of children receiving services at Wordplay Jeux de mots. “Our mission is to create comfortable spaces where kids can feel uplifted while receiving treatment,” says Bachly. “We are overjoyed that children and their family members now have these new Smilezone spaces to help make their visits more enjoyable.”

A ceremonial ribbon cutting with representatives from Smilezone Foundation and NBRHC, as well as patients and families of Wordplay Jeux de mots

The Smilezones will serve to complement the care and early intervention delivered by the Wordplay Jeux de mots dedicated inter-professional team. “We are exceptionally grateful to the Smilezone Foundation for the improvement to such important areas in our program,” says Tanya Nixon, NBRHC Vice President Mental Health. “The transformation is more than just a cosmetic makeover. The new spaces make children feel comfortable and confident, enhancing their overall experience and creating an environment that promotes optimal communication skill development.”

– 30 –

Contacts:
Kim McElroy
Manager, Communications Department
North Bay Regional Health Centre
communications@nbrhc.on.ca