State of the art, multi-sensory room allows chronically ill children to enjoy a range of sensory experiences

27 December, 2011: ProVita International Medical Center has launched its Snoezelen room; a controlled multi-sensory environment designed to advance rehabilitation and therapy goals in an acute setting. The international concept originated in the Netherlands and the name Snoezelen comes from a contraction of the Dutch verbs "snuffelen" (to seek out, to explore) and "doezelen" (to relax).

ProVita is the first facility of its kind in the MENA region to provide long-term care for acute, ventilator dependent patients in a non hospital setting.  It currently cares for 27 number patients, 14of which are under the age of 13.

A Snoezelen multi sensory environment (MSE) provides a safe, non-threatening environment and a wide range of sensory experiences that enhance therapy, learning and relaxation. The ProVita Snoezelen room is painted white with a soft cushioned floor and cloud like ceiling. The elements in the room include a sound and light table, a UV light, bubble towers, a vibrating mat and fiber optic light strands. The blend of sights, sounds, textures, aromas, and motion provide stimulation of the primary sensory systems and may be modified to meet each participant's sensory needs. The room is currently being used predominantly for paediatric patients but can be adapted for all ages.

Samira Hanif, Senior Occupational Therapist and Team Lead at ProVita believes the Snoezelen is integral to patient care, ''we begin with an assessment of the patients' needs and identify the types of improvements the therapist would like to see. A specific curriculum is then developed according to the individual allowing them to utilize equipment to achieve these goals over the course of several weeks or months. This kind of environment can have a significant impact on a patient's wellbeing and enjoyment, helping them make advancements they would otherwise not necessarily have been able to achieve. We have already noticed marked improvements in hand-eye coordination and responsiveness.''

Sheikha Al Romaithi, mother of Hamed Al Romaithi, three years old who suffers from a rare condition known as Patau Syndrome said, 'Hamed responds to the colours in the room and his favourite thing to watch is the bubble tube. We have noticed he is more relaxed and his mood is improved after a session.''

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For more information contact:
ProVita International Medical Center
http://www.provita-me.com/
025571030

For press information contact:
The PR Company
Emily McGuire
0505731108

Samantha Armstrong
050158 2958

© Press Release 2012