An “Everything You Need to Know” Printout for Parents
Paediatric Care Unit at Credit Valley Hospital
- 25 Bed unit to support family centered care for our paediatric patients.
- A large children's playroom is a focal point of the space
- Majority of inpatients are admitted from the Emergency Department
- The average length of stay in the Paediatric Patient Care Unit is 2.1 days
- The average age of a patient is 2 years
The paediatric care unit includes physicians, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, social worker, psychologist and other team members. They work in partnership with the family to coordinate their services to provide care. Paediatric patients cared for are from birth to 17 years of age.
From the beautiful playroom to daybeds for parents, it is evident that a child-friendly atmosphere is a priority.
Due to the high incidence of infectious disease in children, patients requiring isolation often occupy the private rooms. However, every effort is made to accommodate patient requests and those reflecting their insurance coverage.
Each room includes a daybed to accommodate one parent to stay overnight for each patient.
Location
Paediatric Patient Care Unit is located in the new Erin Mills Women's and Children's health Centre at the Credit Valley Hospital - A block. level 2 (Flower zone).
Child Life Specialists at Paediatric Care Units
The child life specialist is an expert in child development who works to ensure that life remains as normal as possible for children in health care settings. They promote effective coping through play, self expression activities and age appropriate medical preparation and education. As advocates of family centred care, child life specialist work in partnership with doctors, nurses, social workers and other members of the healthcare team to meet the unique emotional, developmental and cultural needs of the child and family.
Services Provided by the Child Life Specialist:
Child life specialists focus on the psychosocial and developmental needs of children, collaborating with families and other healthcare providers to:
- Prepare children for medical procedures or treatment using language that children understand
- Introduce coping strategies to help reduce anxiety and enhance cooperation with the healthcare team
- Provide support and distraction during medical procedures
- Offer opportunities for play and expressive activities, to encourage normal development and a sense of FUN in spite of challenging circumstances
- Promote family centered care by providing information, advocacy and support to families of paediatric patients
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