Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) is celebrating the grand opening of a new Smilezone in its Maternal & Child Program space.

Through the generous donation of Bill and Donna Hook and the Smilezone Foundation, hallways, lounges and four patient rooms on Level 2 of JBH’s North Tower have been transformed with outdoor-themed murals, including Burlington’s Spencer Smith Park and Pier.

“Our team is dedicated to providing excellent family-centred care,” said Leslie Motz, the hospital’s Executive Vice-President Clinical and Chief Nursing Executive. “The new Smilezone enhances the hospital experience by creating bright and enjoyable spaces that patients and their families can enjoy for years to come. We’re very grateful to Donna and Bill Hook and Smilezone for making this part of the hospital so special.”

JBH’s Maternal & Child team includes physicians, midwives, nurses, lactation consultants, social workers, respiratory therapists and dieticians. They provide a broad range of services to address the physical and emotional needs of pregnant persons, newborns, children and adolescents.

“Providing pediatric patients and the passionate caregivers at Joseph Brant Hospital with an uplifting and cheerful environment gives our family great pleasure,” said Bill and Donna Hook. “Our love for children runs deep, having raised three of our own and now six grandchildren in this beautiful city of Burlington.

“It has been fulfilling to work with the caring team of the Smilezone Foundation to bring their vision of 'every child deserves to smile' to the Joseph Brant Maternal & Child Program. We are sincerely thankful to all involved in this wonderful undertaking,” they said.

The Oakville-based charity has created 340 fun and engaging “Smilezones” in waiting rooms, treatment rooms and patient care rooms across Canada.

“Smilezone Foundation is thrilled to be a part of this exciting renovation at Joseph Brant Hospital,” said Scott Bachly, Co-founder and Co-Chair of the Smilezone Foundation.

“We are delighted with the new Smilezone areas featuring sea creatures, farm animals and more – giving children and their families living in the Burlington community a reason to smile during their hospital visits. We are grateful for the generous support from Bill and Donna Hook, whom we are recognizing today for making this Smilezone transformation possible!”

Learn more about JBH’s Maternal & Child Program and members of the talented team who provide excellent care.