Smilezone Foundation revitalizes paediatric spaces for children and families

Some of Etobicoke General Hospital’s youngest patients have been given a new reason to smile. On Thursday, August 15, William Osler Health System (Osler) officially opened a new Smilezone in the Mother/Baby Unit of its Etobicoke General site. Generously donated by Smilezone Foundation, with support from the Slaight Family Foundation, the bright, fun Smilezone includes murals, sensory development equipment, drawing boards, tablet stations, and TVs meant to help improve the experience for children and families when they visit the hospital.

“With the recent opening of the new patient tower at Etobicoke General Hospital, the Smilezone comes at a perfect time, ensuring Etobicoke families have a warm and welcoming experience at every step of their hospital visit. We are incredibly grateful to Smilezone and the Slaight Family Foundation for such a tremendously meaningful gift,” said Ken Mayhew, President & CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation. “Our paediatric staff and physicians are passionate about delivering exceptional patient care and now their surroundings complement the care they provide every day.”

The Smilezone transforms the hallways and patient lounge in the Mother/Baby Unit on Level 4 of Etobicoke General Hospital. Children and families will now be greeted with beautiful, outdoor-themed wall murals while sensory equipment and kid-friend technology in the lounge will help ease what can sometimes be a stressful experience for children.

"Smilezone Foundation is truly thrilled to be a part of this exciting renovation at Etobicoke General Hospital,” said Scott Bachly, chair of the Smilezone Foundation. “We are delighted with the new Smilezone, giving children and their families a reason to smile during their hospital visits. A huge thank you to the Slaight Family Foundation, whom we are gratefully recognizing today for their ongoing support."

Photo: (L-R) Dr. Brendan Carr, President & CEO, William Osler Health System; Michael Del Zotto, Defenceman, Anaheim Ducks; Scott Bachly, Chair and Co-founder, Smilezone; Bob Peacock, Chair, William Osler Health System Foundation Board of Directors; Ken Mayhew, President & CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation; Lindsay Hogeboom, Manager, Women’s and Children’s Program at Etobicoke General Hospital; Nicole McCahon, Vice President, Philanthropy, William Osler Health System Foundation.