Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center becomes first certified sensory-inclusive hospital in Virginia

Chief Nursing Officer Donna Wilmoth was making the rounds at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center when she encountered a five-year-old boy who was agitated and refusing to be examined.

 

The boy had autism, Wilmoth learned from his mother. The hospital had recently become sensory inclusive, and staff quickly brought in a “mobile sensory station” designed to calm patients with sensory needs. The station includes a large, liquid-filled cylinder swirling with plastic fish and bubbles and illuminated by multi-colored lights.

 

“It calmed this little guy right down and made a complete difference in the care we were able to provide,” said Wilmoth. “His mother later reached out to me and said she was so appreciative and that we gave her a sense her son was welcome and included.”

One of two sensory rooms at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.

Rethinking accessibility

In February, Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center became the first medical facility in Virginia to be certified as sensory inclusive, according to the Alabama-based KultureCity, which provides the certification.

The initiative is meant to help the hospital welcome and care for those with sensory needs, a group that includes people with autism, PTSD, early onset dementia, anxiety, stroke, and more.

One in four individuals have sensory needs, according to Uma Srivastava, executive director of KultureCity. Common sounds, lights, crowds, and smells can be overwhelming, and even painful, for such people.

“We need to rethink accessibility,” said Julian Maha, M.D., one of the co-founders of KultureCity, in a 2017 TedX talk. “Then and only then can we truly create communities that are accepting and inclusive for everyone.”

KultureCity describes itself as the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility. It was established by Maha and his wife, both of whom are physicians, after their older son was diagnosed with autism. Like other families in similar situations, they had trouble visiting public places. They set out to make these spaces inclusive while raising awareness of sensory needs. 

A sign announcing that Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center is sensory inclusive (left) and a sensory bag with noise-canceling headphones and more.

Responding to a community need

In 2021, Wilmoth noticed that some children and young adults were having trouble coping with the noise and people in the hospital. While researching ways to support these patients, she learned about KultureCity.

“These individuals were being overwhelmed,” said Wilmoth. “It really just sparked the question: What else is out there?”

Signage at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center now announces that the facility is sensory-inclusive. As part of the annual certification, at least half of the hospital’s 405 staff members must complete training to recognize and respond to patients experiencing sensory overload. 

Resources include two sensory rooms designed to provide a quiet, secure, and soothing environment. There are sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, and a feeling thermometer that patients can borrow. Outside, two bench swings offer an additional haven.

The initiative supports patients of all ages. For example, veterans with PTSD may be among those with sensory processing needs.

“Being in Hampton Roads, with a high volume of military personnel, we have found this to be very beneficial,” said Wilmoth.

‘Acceptance for all’

The community and hospital staff have been very supportive of the initiative, said Amy Lassiter, the hospital’s patient care services manager, who heads the sensory-inclusion program.

“I’ve had so many people come up to me and just say, ‘Hey, this is such a great idea,’” said Lassiter. “And they start telling me stories of their family members that have autism or other types of sensory needs.”

Around the world, more than 1,800 locations have been certified as sensory-inclusive by KultureCity, including arenas, airports, zoos, restaurants, libraries, and more. Nationwide, around 120 medical facilities are certified. Sensory-inclusive locations in Virginia include the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, and Archer Hotel Falls Church in Fairfax.

For Wilmoth, the initiative “creates an acceptance for all.”

“Everyone’s welcome,” she said. “And I think that’s incredibly important.”