The Child Life Program revolves around a group of Child Life Specialists and specially trained volunteers who are dedicated to making a child’s hospital experiences at Hotel Dieu Hospital (HDH) and Kingston General Hospital (KGH) less traumatic.
Child Life works with both the family and the patient to reduce stress and anxiety related to being sick, having treatment or being in the hospital.
Children admitted to hospital, or returning regularly for clinics –with sudden illness or injury - can be scared and upset, even when attended by parents or caregivers. Child Life specialists use their special skills in helping children of all ages cope better during such difficult times. Personal quilts, books, teddy bears and games are used to try to create a sense of comfort for the child and their families and also to assist with special play therapy to help the children understand the variety of tests and procedures they may be facing.
HDH and KGH works as an interdisciplinary team that supports the family centred care philosophy – a TEAM approach is used – doctors, nurses, dietitians, speech therapists, social work and spiritual care –adding much to the well-being of the young patients and their families.
HDH and KGH use a family-centred philosophy – the family is the constant in a child’s life, therefore the family is informed, included and supported through the hospital experience.
Child Life specialists use play as a means to helping young patients understand what is happening and how to express their feelings.
Child Life helps normalize the hospital experience for young patients and their families by reducing the stress and anxiety associated with illness, treatment and hospitalization.
“We in Kingston are blessed to have a fully functioning children’s hospital at Kingston General Hospital and Children’s Out Patient Clinic. Families across our health care region and beyond can depend on the services provided by the staff at the hospitals to care for their most treasured possessions – their children. While government funds a large part of the service that we provide, there is and continues to be a reliance on the generosity of our community to assist with the purchase of specialized equipment to keep the pediatric program up to date with technology and specialized care services…”
Dr. Kim Dow - Professor and Head Department of Pediatrics - Queen’s University
“It is a privilege for the pediatric care team to be in the position to influence the experience of families coping with the hospitalization of a child. We value family centred care with the importance of family support, participation and choice. We rely on and appreciate the interest shown by our community in supporting our work.”
Eleanor Rivoire – Vice President Patient Care Programs, KGH
“… My baby was having difficulty breathing at birth and was immediately resuscitated in Belleville – the pediatric specialist in Belleville called Dr. Kim Dow in Kingston and by noon we were on our way to KGH – Nathan was taken by ambulance with Dr. Dow attending. When we arrived at KGH we were warmly greeted and settled in by the social workers. Nathan was put into the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – pretty scary – but everything was done for him. My baby was so well taken care of – with very dedicated, supportive nurses – we received the very best in care from nurses and doctors helping us through a very difficult time – Nathan was admitted as a Level 3 – top priority and he was given exactly that – top priority. We can’t thank KGH and all the staff enough for their professional warm care and support. Nathan goes home tomorrow – a very happy ending to our boy who was slow to start but ended up a superstar!’
Angela and Mark Rinaldi (parents of baby Nathan)
What is needed?
NICU stretcher/crib (3) - $5600
Pediatric beds and cribs (18) beds, (15) cribs - $6 000 to $7000 per unit
Ongoing support for the Child Life program – annual costs $25,000
Child Life Program in support of the Pediatric Program
What is needed?
Reading materials
HDH Student Art Gallery
Music, cds/rhythm instruments/musical toys
Infant stimulation – mobiles/music boxes/ toys
Movies and video games
Audio Visual equipment and game systems
Comfort companions (teddy bears)
Toys, games and puzzles
Arts and craft supplies
Medical props
Resource library for patients and parents
Magazine subscriptions
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