Skip to content

Outpatient pediatric unit at OSMH transformed into 'Smilezone' (9 photos)

'Transformation is more than just a cosmetic makeover,' OSMH official says, noting makeover means better, more integrated services for children, families

There were smiles all around Thursday when a “transformational” makeover of the outpatient pediatric unit was unveiled at Orillia’s Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH).

Thanks to a $100,000 donation from the Smilezone Foundation in addition to funds from private donors, the new unit is spacious and family-friendly; bright art lines the walls, there’s gym space in addition to iPads and interactive toys kids will love.

“The transformation is more than just a cosmetic makeover,” said Michelle Gordon, the chief of neo-natal medicine at OSMH. “It will allow us to deliver a higher level of care and care that is much more integrated.”

Up until now, those who needed to access the unit’s “extensive services” had to visit multiple sites in the hospital and, potentially, multiple locations throughout the city. While that was inconvenient for families, it was also inefficient, said Gordon.

“Each visit focused on only one part of their care,” she explained, noting having all the services in one space will “save precious time and energy. Most importantly, it means the health-care team is integrated (so that) we have a direct line of communication to patients and each other which means we can much more effectively wrap care around our patients.”

The result is kids “who use multiple services in this program will spend less time in the hospital, get better more seamless, integrated care and enjoy a transformed, beautiful family-friendly space.”

The makeover would not have been possible without the support of Smilezone, which worked with the hospital to renovate the unit on the second floor of the Soldiers’ wing.

Smilezone was co-founded by businessman Scott Bachly and former NHL player Adam Graves. Both were on hand for Thursday’s unveiling – along with several other NHL legends with local connections.

Bachly said, historically, children’s treatment areas have been sterile, blank spaces.

“Smilezone does not change the way our children are treated, nor do we profess to provide equipment or rehabilitation options,” said Bachly. “What we can do and what we do do is change the environment our children are treated in.”

He said an injection of “vibrant colours, custom murals, gameification and technology (provides) more of an uplifting experience for both the children and their parents.”

While he said it’s gratifying to help – the project at OSMH is the 193rd such project funded by the foundation – he praised the efforts of front-line staffers. “They are the true heroes,” he said, noting they constantly inspire him.

New OSMH president and CEO Carmine Stumpo agreed, saying front-line staff “are the heart” of the program.

“They really are the heart of this great program and deliver on the promise of excellent, compassionate care every day,” said Stumpo, while thanking Smilezone for “injecting a little bit of fun into a sometimes scary place.”

 Former Toronto Maple Leafs star Darryl Sittler, who began cottaging in Orillia more than four decades ago, said he was “proud” to be part of Thursday’s event.

Sittler said he has a soft spot for both the city and the hospital.

“My kids spent time in this hospital with different illnesses and stitches (and) now I’m at the stage where my grandkids are coming here,” he said, adding Orillia is a “great town.”

He said his eyes were opened to what families endure when, as a member of the Leafs, he and his teammates visited kids in Toronto hospitals.

“The environment they’re in is very important,” said Sittler. “Obviously there was a huge demand for Orillia to have something like this. This space is nice and bright, it has great art work and if you can put a smile on a child’s face or a family’s face it’s the right thing to do.”

Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean, a Smilezone board member, said the transformation of the unit was a little like going from a small three-on-three rink with tight quarters to a 'cathedral' with NHL dimensions.

“It’s really beautiful what’s been created here,” MacLean said.


Comments

Verified reader

If you would like to apply to become a verified commenter, please fill out this form.




Dave Dawson

About the Author: Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson is community editor of OrilliaMatters.com
Read more