Hospital stays can be difficult for children – and for their parents and other family members. The Paediatric Team at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre works hard to create a welcoming, caring, kid friendly environment. Nurses, doctors and other staff members strive to make each child’s stay as positive as possible.
At The Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Center we will give you and your family the information and support you need, respect your family’s beliefs and cultural traditions, and help you cope with what may be a very stressful time in your lives. We encourage family members and especially parents to be an active member in each child’s care by bathing, feeding, and playing with your child. On the Paediatric unit family plays an important part of each child’s treatment plan. During your time in the hospital please let your nurse or another member of the Paediatric Team if your child’s condition changes suddenly or over time. The Paediatric brochure will provide information about your child’s stay, what services and supports are available, and help you help your child during his or her stay. click here to download and read our brochure.
Visiting
Visiting hours are from 11:30am to 8:30pm, though one parent/or family member is allowed and encouraged to stay with the child 24 hours per day (please see “Rooming In”, below).
Two visitors, not including the child’s caregiver, are allowed at the bedside during normal visiting hours (11:30am to 8:30pm). Too many visitors at a time can be overwhelming for a child as well as for other patients.
Rooming In
One parent or loved one is encouraged to stay with your child 24 hours per day (note: this does not have to be the same person all the time, and we encourage caregivers to trade off whenever possible). We will provide you with a sleeper chair or day bed for your comfort. We ask that you do not sleep in an empty hospital bed as this bed may be required by another patient at any time during the day or night.
We encourage parents/caregivers to take frequent breaks to tend to personal needs including eating and resting. As a caregiver, this is important to ensure your own emotional well-being during what may be a difficult time.
What to Bring
- Your child’s favourite toy or stuffy
- Books and quiet activities
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Soap and shampoo
- Slippers or shoes
- Medications from home to verify dosages
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
What Not To Bring
- Latex balloons, due to possible allergies of other patients
- Foods that are commonly associated with allergies including peanuts, peanut butter, and nuts
- Loud activities – electronics are allowed with headphones so as not to disturb other patients
- No cameras – no photographs are permitted due to patient privacy reasons
What Can I Do?
- Take an active role in your child’s care and well-being
- Ask questions of the nurses or anyone on the Paediatric Team
- Alert members of the Paediatric Team or your nurse if you have any concerns about your child’s health
- Let your nurse or another member of the Paediatric Team if your child’s condition changes suddenly or over time
- Please take medications home with you after admission as nursing staff will administer all medications during your child’s stay
