May 18, 2022
EDMONTON — A newly renovated pediatric space at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital is giving patients and families access to improved family-friendly rehabilitative care.
The Chadi Centre for Pediatric Rehabilitation is specifically designed to support pediatric patients with targeted therapy throughout childhood and those recovering from serious accidents and illnesses. The $1.9-million space, which opened last year, was fully funded by the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.
“This new rehabilitation centre provides children and their families with the best possible environment to receive therapies and treatments that will improve a child’s quality of life,” says Jason Copping, Minister of Health. “I’d like to congratulate the hospital on the opening of this welcoming new centre, and thank foundation donors whose generosity and thoughtfulness made this space possible for children and their families.”
Olivia Camacho Lankaster, a six-year-old Edmonton resident with celebral palsy, had her rehabilitation moved into the Chadi Centre. About 6,000 patient visits are expected at the centre every year.
“The new space is wider and more accommodating for wheelchair patients like Olivia,” says Helen Lankaster, Olivia’s mom. “With Olivia’s occupational and physical therapy appointments in one space, we can combine a one-hour appointment easily with both therapists. There is so much light, support and positive energy in this space, which is exactly what brings families to the Glenrose.”
The centre is home to a multi-disciplinary team of allied healthcare rehabilitation professionals dedicated to helping children and youth live well, build resiliency, and take part in activities meaningful to them and their families.
“The new space not only helps foster interprofessional collaboration for our staff, but it also helps families join the rehabilitation team,” says Curtis Perrott, Director of Pediatric Rehabilitation at the Glenrose.
“The new environment invites parents to observe their child’s treatment, contribute to the therapy, and learn about how to extend therapy into the home. Our patients and families tell us they are more comfortable — and you can see it in the kids’ faces. It is a completely uplifted space that is bright, clean and feels safe.”
The centre features specialized care spaces, such as a pediatric gym, eating treatment area, and splinting and casting room.
“Environments are very important for recovery, and it is incredible to see how donors from throughout the community, led by the Chadi Family Foundation, have been instrumental in advancing rehabilitative care for pediatric patients at the Glenrose,” says Mark Korthuis, President and CEO, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.
Lankaster is grateful for the generosity of the donors.
“I love looking at the donor wall, knowing that there are people in our community who want to create a space for kids like Olivia to brave, happy, and do the work they need to do to get stronger,” says Lankaster. “Thanks to their support, the colours, light, and state-of-the-art equipment can now match the quality of professionals providing care in the Chadi Centre.”
The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation raises funds that fuel innovation, research and technology to enhance the exceptional patient care at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
