Children's Hospital London Health Sciences Centre

Eligibility - Population(s) Served

Infants, children, youth and families in Paediatric Inpatient Units, Paediatric Medical Day Unit, Paediatric Day Surgery, Operating Rooms, Post Anaesthesia Care Unit, Paediatric Critical Care Unit and Burns and Plastics Unit

Languages

English

Language Note

Interpretation services available upon request

Area(s) Served

Southwestern Ontario

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible

Description of Services:

Program helps children and youth adjust to and understand hospitalization, medical procedures, illness and injury

Additional support for children to THRIVE include:

information to help children and their families understand their reactions and concerns to the hospital experience
opportunities to explore and cope with “pretend” and/or actual medical equipment to increase comfort level and familiarity with medical care
assists families in selecting procedures, tests and exams
suggest coping techniques for procedures
may be present during medical procedures and provide information about medical events
support to family members such as siblings by helping them adjust to the hospital environment and understand health care experiences
provide opportunities to play
offer and adapt activities when children are on bed rest and/or in isolation
coordinate holiday entertainment, special visitor events, and recognition of significant events such as birthdays

Therapeutic Clown - Non-medical staff member * available Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri