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SALT LAKE CITY — Primary Children's Hospital has been chosen as the next location for a Seacrest Studio by the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. The new broadcast media center will allow children to explore while they are receiving treatment.
Ryan Seacrest, chairman and CEO of the foundation and co-host of "LIVE with Kelly and Ryan" made the announcement on Tuesday during the morning talk show.
"Each Seacrest Studio is created with the goal of bringing exciting and stimulating adventures that spark joy in patients and their families during their treatment. I can't wait to partner with such an incredible hospital to bring this excitement to Salt Lake City and introduce the community to the wonders of radio, television and new media," Seacrest said.
Katy Welkie, CEO of Primary Children's Hospital, said the hospital is excited about this new opportunity to allow patients to express themselves and lift their spirits.
"Providing safe and engaging experiences to patients during their hospital stay is a critical part of their healing, well-being, and continued development as kids," Welkie said.
There are currently 11 studios in children's hospitals throughout the country and plans for several more during 2023. The studio in Salt Lake City will be the 14th, Seacrest said.
"Soon the patients in that area, when they're having treatment, can come in and forget about everything that they're going through, and, hopefully, maybe find something that they love to do," he said on the show.
Spencer Hardy, director of family support services at Primary Children's Hospital, said this will bring an opportunity for children to feel "included and special" while they are at the hospital.
"Once you find the right thing to bring someone out of their shell, it completely changes how they see the hospital and their treatment," Hardy said.
Primary Children's Hospital has a closed-circuit TV system already, allowing caregivers and patients to host segments and call-in programs. The Seacrest Studio will enhance those capabilities and help more children be involved.
The studio will be located in the hospital's main lobby.
