Led by veteran educator Ilona Pinto, Director of Reuth’s Education Centre, and her dedicated staff of special education teachers, the paediatric ward has become a lively and exciting place where the parents of our youngest patients are happier and more confident than ever in their abilities to engage the children.

“Though the children are in varying states of consciousness, we find creative methods to stimulate every one of their senses. We do everything possible to give our children the opportunity to see, feel and hear,” explains Pinto.  “And every step of the way, we provide the parents with activities that allow them to interact and connect with their children and do a whole lot more than just sit at their bedsides.”

The activities, which include animal therapy, introducing the children to water in a kiddie pool, parent-child massage groups, and baking sessions, among others, provide the parents and staff with a feeling of being part of something “more normal.”

“Although, the children don’t actually bake, their parents help them feel the dough as a tactile exercise, and it fills the ward with the delicious smell of challah,” says Pinto.  “The staff and parents look forward to spending time with their Reuth family every day, but there’s no questions that ‘challah day’ is their absolute favourite.  For many, it’s a metaphor.  Just like the smell of fresh bread, the paediatric ward’s upbeat and high-energy environment wraps them in warmth and comfort.”