Adolescent calming room opens in northern B.C. hospital

PRINCE GEORGE — The University Hospital of Northern B.C. in partnership with the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation is opening its Adolescent Calming Room.

The new installment in the hospital’s pediatrics department is thanks to funds raised during the annual Spirit Day campaign. The room is designed to be a low-stress environment for youth and children to assist in their self-calming efforts.

“It is so heartwarming to see the Adolescent Calming Room functional and ready to welcome children during times of crisis to de-escalate and emotionally reset,” said Judy Neiser, CEO of Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. “This room development has been a long time coming, and the first calming room within UHNBC has been funded through the generosity of donors who believe in therapeutic ways to assess and soothe mental health and wellness patients. The need for these was evident pre-COVID and has only increased during the past two years”

The space is filled with soothing visual, auditory and tactile stimuli. The room also utilizes weighted blankets, beanbag chairs, and a projector that changes scenes based on need. A large water tube with bouncing bubbles line a corner of the room with lights that change colour.