The Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children’s Hospital held a dedication ceremony on Tuesday, April 25 for a new playroom in the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit. Named for Baptist’s pediatrics mascot, P.D. Parrot’s Playroom will open in the space formerly used for the pediatric ICU waiting room. The 500-square-foot playroom features a BEAM interactive projector game system, interactive manipulatives on the wall for all ages, arts and crafts, and other toys and games.
“P.D. Parrot’s Playroom was expertly designed to help ease the hospital experience for our pediatric patients,” said Allison Bosse, CEO/administrator of Baptist Children’s Hospital and Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women. “It provides a safe space for children of all ages to play, which can help them cope during long and frequent hospitalizations and between treatments and procedures. We’re grateful to our donors who helped make P.D. Parrot’s Playroom possible.”
Bosse welcomed guests to the dedication ceremony. Chaplain Erin Sinquefield delivered the invocation, and Spence and Becky Wilson spoke about their commitment to supporting health care for children and families.
Certified Child Life Specialists Julianne Scholes and Kate Baker, who work at Baptist Children’s Hospital, talked about the benefits of having a dedicated play area that can help normalize the hospital experience for children. Amanda Harris, mother of a recent pediatric patient, discussed the importance of play for hospitalized children and their families.
The Toy Foundation awarded Baptist Children’s Hospital a $25,000 grant, administered through the Children’s Hospital Association, and Spence and Becky Wilson donated $75,000 for the playroom in honor of their mothers. The work was completed by Belz Architecture + Construction.
