Chatham-Kent Health Alliance welcomes the Newborn Cuddle Program
CHATHAM-KENT: September 10, 2026 – Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is pleased to announce the Newborn Cuddle Program within the Women & Children’s Program, bringing trained volunteers to provide comfort, nurturing touch and companionship to newborns during their hospital stay.
The Newborn Cuddle Program was established to support newborns who may spend extended periods in the hospital and whose parents or families are not always able to be at their bedside. Through comforting human touch and interaction, volunteer cuddlers provide an additional source of emotional support while complementing the care provided by parents, families and the health care team.
“Bringing the Newborn Cuddle Program to CKHA is a wonderful opportunity to provide our youngest patients with an additional source of comfort and connection during their hospital stay,” said Jessica Johnston, Clinical Manager, Women & Children’s Program, CKHA. “We know how important nurturing touch and human connection can be for newborns, and our volunteers will play a meaningful role in helping babies feel safe, supported and comforted when their families are unable to be at the bedside. We’re so excited to welcome our Cuddle Program volunteers and offer this additional support to our babies, families and care team.”
Research has shown that positive, nurturing touch can support infant development and well-being, including helping babies regulate stress, sleep and physiological responses. For newborns in hospital, these comforting interactions can provide an important sense of security and connection.
“Volunteering as a Newborn Cuddle Program volunteer is a way to make a difference in the life of a newborn and their family,” said Kathryn Kielstra, Volunteer Resources Specialist, CKHA. “Our volunteers have the opportunity to provide comfort and connection during a time when families may be facing uncertainty or spending time away from the hospital. We are excited to welcome volunteers into this special role and see the positive impact they can have on our youngest patients.”
The Newborn Cuddle Program volunteers are specially screened and trained before participating. The process includes volunteer screening and orientation, as well as training related to infant safety, infection prevention and confidentiality. Volunteers work under the direction of the health care team and provide cuddling and comforting interaction when appropriate.
The health care team identifies newborns who may benefit from additional comforting interaction, and participation is coordinated with the baby’s care team. Parents or guardians are informed about the program and provide consent before their child participates.
For volunteers, the program offers an opportunity to contribute to the health and well-being of newborns in the community while gaining experience in a health care environment and developing skills in communication, teamwork and patient-centred care.
CKHA is grateful to the volunteers who have chosen to dedicate their time to the Newborn Cuddle Program and looks forward to the positive impact they will have on newborns and families receiving care through the Women & Children’s Program.
For more information about the Women and Children’s Program at CKHA, please visit https://www.ckha.on.ca/hospital-services/women-children/
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About CKHA
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) is a 210-bed community hospital serving the residents of Chatham and rural Kent. Located on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy, CKHA provides care to Caldwell First Nation, Bkejwanong (Walpole Island First Nation), and Eelūnaapèewii Lahkèewiit (Delaware Nation).
CKHA delivers equitable, high-quality, and safe care at its two sites in Chatham and Wallaceburg. CKHA collaborates with diverse health and community partners to meet the unique needs of the population it serves. The organization’s dedicated team includes approximately 1,500 staff, 200 physicians, and 300 volunteers.
Our Focus is You. As your community hospital, we value easy-to-access health care rooted in equity and kindness.
CKHA is proud to be recognized as an inclusive workplace of choice, earning a spot on Forbes’ 2026 list of Canada’s Best Employers. The organization provides a comprehensive range of Programs and services—from internal medicine and surgery to women & children’s health and critical care. CKHA cares for tens of thousands of inpatients, outpatients, and emergency patients each year and is a Schedule 1 facility under Ontario’s Mental Health Act. With state-of-the-art diagnostics and technology, CKHA is equipped to support the diverse and evolving needs of its community.
For more information, visit www.ckha.on.ca
For more information, please contact:
Fannie Vavoulis, Director, Communications & Patient Experience
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
fvavoulis@ckha.on.ca
519.352.6400 x 6143
