A place to just be kids
Pediatric patients have new outdoor therapeutic play space at QEH
Playtime is a welcome reprieve during seven-year-old Dakota Mullally’s lengthy stints in hospital.
The Kingston, P.E.I., boy lives with tubular myopathy, a disorder that primarily affects the skeletal muscles — muscles the body uses for movement.
While his mobility is limited, Dakota finds plenty of fun in the therapeutic play space at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s pediatrics department.
A ride on the swing or a tapping of the piano play panel gives the boy enjoyment in trips to the QEH, where lately he has been spending at least one week a month.
“You can see it in his eyes and by the smiles on his face – it lifts his soul,’’ says his mother, Allana.
The QEH Foundation Monday celebrated a partnership of a $50,000 federal grant to the hospital through Canada’s Enabling Accessibility Fund and a matching gift of $50,000 from TD bank.
Julie Smith, nurse manager of the pediatrics unit, says the construction of the new accessible outdoor therapeutic space is safe for all children, regardless of ability and cognitive development. It includes a wheelchair accessible swing, music and play panels.
“This is an amazing space, where children can enjoy being outside, strengthen their bodies, and just be kids,’’ says Health and Wellness Minister Robert Henderson.
“It will benefit families from across the province and bring joy to the faces of our Island children.’’
Anna Collins says her daughter, Simone, benefits from the outdoor play space during her care at the QEH.
“Since January, Simone has had five admissions to the QEH pediatrics unit,’’ she says. “This new play space has been so great for us, and we use it often. I especially love how accessible it is. It has a variety of play areas that she can play with even if she’s not feeling well enough to climb.’’