Scarborough Health Network (SHN) and the Smilezone Foundation together celebrated a new gallery of scenic murals on the General Hospital’s paediatric unit with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 10.
With a goal of creating a bright and warm space for children and their parents to receive care, Smilezone, with support from the Harold E. Ballard Foundation, generously transformed the General Hospital’s paediatric outpatient waiting room and hallway, baby-friendly breastfeeding room, kitchenette, day treatment waiting room, and treatment room into Smilezones. The beautifully crafted murals feature Scarborough landmarks including the Scarborough Bluffs and Toronto Zoo.
“We know coming to or staying in the hospital is unfamiliar and daunting for some of our youngest patients,” said Dr. Peter Azzopardi, Chief and Medical Director, Paediatrics, SHN, who thanked Smilezone at the event.
“Smilezone’s bright and cheerful murals are an important part of the paediatric patient experience, creating a more welcoming and comfortable environment for families as they receive exceptional quality care from our compassionate staff.”
Along with the ceremonial ribbon-cutting near the unit’s entrance, SHN presented Smilezone with Love, Scarborough merchandise as a token of our gratitude, echoing the murals’ theme in taking inspiration from our Scarborough community.
“Creating fun and engaging Smilezones in existing healthcare spaces that harness the uplifting power of a smile for kids and their families is Smilezone Foundation’s purpose,” said Scott Bachly, Smilezone Foundation’s Chair.
“We are pleased to unveil our latest Smilezone space at SHN General Hospital’s paediatric unit. We sincerely thank the Harold E. Ballard Foundation for their ongoing support and contributions to our mission of making tough days a little brighter for kids receiving treatment.”
With the space now bright with the welcoming murals, SHN is continuing to bring together doctors, nurses, child life specialists, social workers, allied health staff, support services, and volunteers to deliver high quality care in a kid-friendly space. SHN is excited to invite patients into our refreshed paediatric unit, and we thank Smilezone for their collaboration in making this space welcoming for our Scarborough patients and families.
