Family CARE Grants Bring Comfort and Support to Babies and Families
Published Monday, August 31, 2026
(L-R) Emily Hurst, RN; Amy Halverson, Manager, Paediatric Inpatient/Outpatient; Saird Ezack, RPN; Bryn Roberts, Child Life Specialist; and Nicole Zuefle, POGO, RN, with two baby swings funded through the Health Sciences Foundation's Family CARE Grants program for 1B Paediatrics at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
For babies receiving care in the Hospital, a familiar source of comfort can make all the difference. Gentle movement can help soothe infants, provide relief from discomfort, and support developmental skills, including opportunities to exercise fine motor skills.
To help create a more comforting environment, two soothing baby swings have been added to 1B Paediatrics at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre through the Health Sciences Foundation's Family CARE Grants program. The swings give healthcare providers and parents another way to comfort and engage babies while providing a safe, comfortable space during their Hospital stay.
The swings also offer valuable support for parents. While remaining close to their child, parents can have brief hands-free moments to speak with members of the health care team, eat a meal, or simply take a moment to regroup, knowing their baby is safe and comfortable.
Made possible through donor support and Thunder Bay 50/50 participants, the Family CARE (Care Advancement Recommended by Employees) Grants program helps frontline staff bring smaller but meaningful ideas to life for patients and families. These thoughtful enhancements help create a more comforting and supportive environment throughout the Hospital.
To learn more about the Family CARE Grants program and explore other staff-inspired projects funded through donor support, visit healthsciencesfoundation.ca/familycare.