SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital is giving pediatric patients a reason to smile.
The hospital recently renovated two of its therapy rooms to make them more welcoming for the patients. Previously, the rooms had white walls, limited storage and were cluttered.
“So, they just weren’t inviting, they weren’t child-friendly, and so now, they are the very opposite,” said director of rehabilitation therapy Doctor Lori Holmes.
The renovated rooms now have an aquatic theme, with new carpeting, more storage and a magnetic wall for children to play with, among other toys. The therapists who work with the patients helped pick out the new paint colors and overall design of the spaces. Holmes says that these changes have made the children feel less intimidated, and they are more comfortable going to therapy.
“They’re less as anxious, so they’ll participate in therapy more willingly,” said Holmes. “It relaxes them and you know, makes them feel comfortable and at ease.”
These renovations were made possible through a partnership with the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The hospital received a grant from them to renovate one of their pediatric areas and saw the need to update the therapy rooms. The Upstate Physical Plant oversaw the renovations.
