Sentara CarePlex Hospital earns sensory inclusive certification

Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton, Virginia, has earned a sensory inclusive certification from KultureCity, a nonprofit organization focused on accessibility and inclusion for individuals with sensory needs.

The certification recognizes the hospital's efforts to create a more supportive environment for individuals who may experience sensory challenges, including people with autism, dementia, post-traumatic stress disorder, stroke-related sensory issues, and other conditions that can make a hospital visit overwhelming.

Since March, 209 Sentara CarePlex team members have completed specialized sensory inclusion training. The education helps staff recognize signs of sensory overload and respond with strategies that support comfort, communication, and care.

"As healthcare providers, we know every patient arrives with unique needs," said Nikosha Quinerly, director of the emergency department at Sentara CarePlex Hospital. "This certification gives our team additional tools and training to help reduce stress and create a more supportive experience for patients and families." 

As part of the certification, sensory bags are now available throughout Sentara CarePlex Hospital, including the emergency department, inpatient units, central testing, guest services, and a transition hallway.

The bags contain items designed to help manage sensory input and reduce anxiety, including noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, visual cue cards, and weighted lap pads.

Patients and visitors can use the bags during their visit and return them afterward so they can be cleaned and prepared for future use.

"Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation, Sentara CarePlex Hospital is aligned with the same visionary spirit as KultureCity and is championing a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is not just accepted but celebrated for their unique contributions to the tapestry of humanity," said Uma Srivastava, executive director of KultureCity.

Sentara CarePlex Hospital joins Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, which became the first medical facility in Virginia to receive KultureCity sensory inclusive certification in 2024, further expanding Sentara's efforts to make care more accessible and inclusive across the communities it serves.