Official Opening of Smilezone at Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services and the Smilezone Foundation are pleased to announce the official opening of the new Smilezone area at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre.
“NL Health Services welcomes our patients to the new and improved physiotherapy unit and looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality care in this space,” says Ron Johnson, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of NL Health Services, Eastern Urban Zone. “We would like to thank the Smilezone Foundation and their donor, along with our dedicated health-care professionals who also played a vital role in this project, by going above and beyond for our patients.”
The Janeway Smilezone is located in the physiotherapy area on the first floor of the hospital. The renovations included a full-scale cosmetic makeover of the area, including the physiotherapy gymnasium, four consult rooms and the hallways leading to these rooms. New furniture and cabinetry, along with several large murals depicting children with a range of physical abilities, have transformed the area into a bright, joyous space for patients, families and staff.
“Supporting the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre and the Smilezone Foundation is an important priority,” said the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services. “This dedicated project means children receiving physiotherapy treatment will receive their treatment in a modern and welcoming environment, a space that transforms the atmosphere in which they receive treatment. I extend my gratitude to the Smilezone Foundation, health-care staff, and this year’s donor for their enthusiastic participation in this initiative.”
A Smilezone is a physically, mentally and emotionally safe treatment space where patients of any age, ability and diagnosis can relax and feel supported in a visually engaging environment. Upgrading spaces in this way helps create a more home-like environment, providing children and families with a sense of comfort and belonging during their healing.
“Smilezone Foundation is thrilled to be a part of this exciting renovation at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre. This is our first Smilezone project in Newfoundland and Labrador and we could not be happier with the changes to the physiotherapy clinic,” said Scott Bachly, Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Smilezone Foundation. “We are grateful for the generous support from the Pardy Family, whom we are recognizing today for making this Smilezone transformation possible!”
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About NL Health Services
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NL Health Services) brings together five former separate health entities – Eastern Health, Central Health, Western Health, Labrador-Grenfell Health, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information. The creation of a provincial health authority was announced following recommendations from Health Accord NL.
NL Health Services is responsible for delivering health and community services to more than 528,000 people living in Newfoundland and Labrador and employs over 21,000 people.
About the Smilezone Foundation
Smilezone Foundation is a registered charity based in Oakville, Ontario, committed to putting smiles on kids’ faces. Founded by Scott Bachly and Adam Graves in 2012, the Foundation’s mission is to make tough days a little brighter for kids receiving treatment in hospitals and health care facilities. We do this by creating fun and engaging “Smilezones” that harness the uplifting power of a smile for the kids and their families. Please visit smilezone.com for more information about the 350+ Smilezones across Canada.