South Shore Health Announces Transformation of Two Pediatric Sensory-Informed Care Rooms Through Support from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation
South Shore Health recently unveiled its newest Dunkin’ Joyful Space —two pediatric Sensory-Informed Care Rooms at South Shore Hospital. The rooms have been transformed to create a therapeutic environment tailored to children with sensory processing difficulties.
Made possible by a nearly $142,000 grant from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the modified rooms are calming, controlled spaces aimed at reducing stress, agitation, and anxiety for patients, particularly those who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum.
The new curated spaces ease the impact of a hospital stay on children with sensory processing difficulties.
As the primary provider of pediatric care in the region, South Shore Health is the only 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department and pediatric medical/surgical inpatient unit between Boston and Cape Cod, making these spaces critical for patient care. The sensory informed care rooms are expected to serve more than 900 pediatric patients annually.
South Shore Health leadership and representatives from the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation were onsite to share remarks during the celebration. Dunkin’ also provided free coffee and treats to South Shore Health employees throughout the morning.
Since launching in 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $70 million to hundreds of national and local nonprofit organizations across the country. This unveiling event is just one example of the impact the Foundation is celebrating this year as part of its 20th anniversary.
“We are deeply grateful to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation for making these dedicated spaces possible. Their generosity allows us to enhance the care experience in ways that honor the emotional and human needs of the families we serve,” said Allen L. Smith, MD, MS, President and CEO of South Shore Health. “This investment reflects our collective belief that patient-centered care extends beyond clinical treatment—it’s about creating an environment where all individuals and families in our community can find comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging during some of their most challenging moments. These new rooms help us continue to fulfill our mission to serve every patient with the highest quality care provided with kindness and compassion.”
“We are excited to contribute to South Shore Health patient-informed care with these sensory-specialized rooms,” said Sue Andrade, Dunkin’ Franchisee and Board of Directors member for the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. “As we enter the Foundation’s 20th year, moments like these are a celebration of our mission and impact. Through Joyful Spaces, our hope is to help transform children’s hospital experiences from overwhelming to therapeutic, allowing staff to provide the highest level of care that meets patients’ medical and emotional needs.”
The enhancements in these rooms benefit neurodivergent and neurotypical pediatric patients and are available at all times. The modified rooms include the following features to create a safe and calming environment:
- LED dimmable lighting and removal of buzzing fluorescent fixtures
- Soothing ceiling light tiles, including some with scenic photos
- Sliding panels to cover medical gas equipment for safety and visual regulation
- Soft furnishings, weighted blankets, calming toys
- White noise machines and noise-cancelling headphones
- Removable wall padding for safety
- Adult-size changing tables
South Shore Health offers a full continuum of care for growing families and is supported by a comprehensive Maternal-Fetal Medicine program. Additionally, it is the home to the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit within a Massachusetts community hospital, providing advanced care for premature and critically ill newborns, staffed 24/7 by neonatologists.
About Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation
The Dunkin' Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin' and the generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees, provides the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. The Foundation partners with food banks, children's hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations to fund joyful environments and experiences for kids when they need it most. Since 2006, the Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $70 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country. For more information, please visit www.bringjoy.org.
About Dunkin’
Dunkin’, founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with more than 14,000 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin’ is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit DunkinDonuts.com and InspireBrands.com.
Media Contacts
- Kristen Perfetuo, South Shore Health: kperfetuo [at] southshorehealth.org (kperfetuo[at]southshorehealth[dot]org)
- Eva Wasko, A&G for Dunkin’: ewasko [at] a-g.com (ewasko[at]a-g[dot]com)
