TWO NEW SMILEZONES AT PORT PERRY HOSPITAL

The Port Perry Hospital has two new zones where smiling is encouraged.

Smilezones have been unveiled in the Emergency Department (ED) and the New Life Centre at the hospital, with the aim of making the experience of being there easier for patients and their families.

The zones are designed to create therapeutic and interactive spaces for children of all ages, so younger patients can feel more at ease while in the hospital.

In a news release, Lakeridge Health said, "They are custom designed and backed by the notion that 'Every child deserves to smile' — the motto of the Smilezone Foundation."

The New Life Centre now has vibrant murals and new whiteboards that showcase newborn photos over the years, with space to add more in the coming years, Lakeridge Health noted.

In the ED, murals and a multilingual sign greets visitors. Also, two new iPad stations were installed, equipped with interactive games for children and their families to use while waiting, the hospital said.

"We're so thankful to Smilezone for coming into our hospital to brighten up not only ( just) our halls but also our patients' experiences," said Hannah Jeronymo, patient care manager, maternal child, Lakeridge Health.

Gilbert Kee and Kathy Perna, local residents who have called Port Perry home since 1996, donated to the Smilezone Foundation to make this project possible.

"We absolutely love our community, so it is with pleasure and great honour that we have worked with Smilezone to bring a new

look to the New Life Centre and Emergency Department at Lakeridge Health's Port Perry Hospital," they said in a statement. "The team at Smilezone and the Port Perry Hospital Foundation deserve huge praise for their imagination and design in bringing the new look to life. Thank you to our wonderful community, the Hospital Foundation, Lakeridge Health Port Perry Hospital, and Smilezone."

"We are very grateful to these two special donors for their generosity in wanting to bring some more welcoming spaces to the Port Perry Hospital," added Rachel Agnoluzzi, CEO of Port Perry Hospital Foundation.

The Smilezone Foundation has transformed many hospital and medical spaces across Canada with its mission to "make tough days a little brighter" for kids receiving treatment in hospitals and health-care facilities.

"Smilezone Foundation is truly thrilled to be a part of this exciting revitalization

at Port Perry Hospital," Scott Bachly, co-founder and co-chair of Smilezone Foundation, said. "We are delighted with the new Smilezones, giving patients and their families a reason to smile during their hospital visits. A huge thank-you to Gilbert Kee and Kathy Perna, as we recognize them for their support in making these Smilezones possible."

Cynthia Davis, president and CEO, of Lakeridge Health, said in a statement, "At Lakeridge Health, we're focused on providing high quality, safe patient care and the best experience. The Smilezone spaces are a testament to the generosity, dedication, and support of our Port Perry community. As a result, countless patients and families will enjoy an enhanced experience when seeking care at our hospital."

Photos of the new Smilezones and more information on ways to support community health care in Port Perry are available on the Port Perry Hospital Foundation website.