The Paediatrics department of Sault Area Hospital provides inpatient services for children from infancy up to their 19th birthday in a family-centred environment.
Our caring, specialized team is dedicated to providing individualized, family-centred, quality care for children requiring medical, surgical and mental health services in an inpatient and outpatient capacity. Our team consists of pediatricians, physicians, registered nurses, registered respiratory therapists, social workers, and a registered dietitian.
Parents are encouraged to stay 24 hours a day to support and comfort their children. One parent is welcome to stay overnight with their child.
What To Bring
Meals will be provided for your child, but you are welcome to bring food from home. Food can be stored in a container with your child’s name and room number in the fridge in the unit kitchen. We also have juice, water, milk and small snacks. Please check with your child’s nurse to see if there are any restrictions on what they can eat or drink. Children feel comforted with familiar things. Feel free to bring their favourite toy or blanket.
Your child will need basic hygiene supplies – a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and shampoo. They need to have something for their feet, either slippers or non-slip socks. We have different sizes of pyjamas for them to wear.
If you intend to stay with your child, you will also need to bring something comfortable to wear and sleep in. Sleep surfaces (either chair or couch) are provided in patient rooms for parents/caregivers.
Day Surgery
Children who are having outpatient day surgery will come to Pediatrics. You will be asked to come to the hospital 2 hours before your child’s scheduled surgery time. Specific pre-operative instructions will be given during a pre-admit appointment about 10 – 14 days before surgery in the pre-admit department. One parent is welcome to attend with the child for their day surgery. Parents are encouraged to stay at the hospital during the surgery.
Children are assessed before surgery in our Day Surgery area. They are brought to the Operating Room on the third floor by the OR Porter. Once they have completed their Recovery Room stay, they will come back to Day Surgery until their discharge from the hospital.
Children stay from 1 hour to 5 hours after surgery, depending on the type of surgery and how they are feeling.
Activities
We have a playroom for children to access with age-appropriate toys. We have a large selection of movies for both younger and older children. DVD players are available for use. We have books, crayons, colouring books that can be given to children. If the item cannot be disinfected, it can be brought home when you are discharged.
Kids Health
Immunizations protect your child against several serious, life-threatening infectious diseases. Your child should have “shots” according to the schedule recommended for your province, state, or country. Contact your child’s physician or the local public health nurse for more specific information for your community.