Newly Renovated Playroom on Medical Unit Opened

Publications >May E-Newsletter > New Playroom Opened

The Medical Unit recently received a face-lift with the completion of a modern play space for patients and their families.

The newly renovated space was officially opened for use at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on May 1.  The ceremony was held to honor the contributions made by kind benefactors towards the successful completion of the project.

 Among the donors who made this project possible are Jonathan and Judy Parkhurst of Newton. Jonathan and Judy have a unique relationship with the Hospital. Not only are they friends and donors but they also work at Franciscan!

Over the last 6 years Judy has volunteered onsite at the hospital every week either holding babies on Units 2 and 3 or working on the Community Based Acute Treatment unit. She’s also been the co-chair and auction chair of the Annual Friends Ball.

Jonathan has been an employee of the hospital for 32 years serving in a number of positions including Special Education teacher, Education Coordinator, Director of Admissions and Program Director of the Kennedy Day School. He’s also been Director of Admissions for Kennedy Hope Academy and most recently, Patient Advocate and Human Rights Officer.

The other generous donors involved in this project are the Boston Bruins Foundation and an anonymous donor.  The Boston Bruins have been supporters of the Hospital for a number of years.  Their generosity has contributed to this and other capital improvements around the Hospital. The total amount realized from all donors was over $50,000. The renovations to the playroom include all new flooring, lighting, windows, built in toys, a jungle mural, shelving for toy storage, and a special baby play area with unique safety mats. 

The Unit 3 playroom is used by patients of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation unit. Many of the kids and infants on this unit cannot leave the floor, and this is one of the only areas on the unit to play, take part in therapy groups and work with child life therapists.  These children now have a dedicated place to play and improve their mobility during the course of their hospital stay.  The playroom is also available to siblings of those children.  Giving them a place where they can spend time will help make the family adjustment to hospitalization smoother. 

Pictured in photo: Steven Snyder, Chief Development Officer, Jonathan and Judy Parkhurst of Newton with patient Caroline Stewart of Arlington.