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family
guidebook
Welcome TO SICKKIDS
This Family Guidebook will help you navigate your way through SickKids and provide
you with information you need during your time here. Do not hesitate to ask any
staff member if you have questions or concerns.
Getting to SickKids
City Map
SickKids is located in downtown Toronto at 555 University
Ave., between Gerrard and Elm streets. The main entrance
is the Atrium entrance at 170 Elizabeth St.
By subway
From the north: Exit at Queen’s Park station and walk
one block south on University Avenue.
Alan
Brown
Building
From the south: Exit at St. Patrick station and walk
two blocks north on University Avenue.
For subway and city bus information, call the 24-hour
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) line at 416-393-4636
or visit www.ttc.ca.
SickKids Main Floor
Entrance
Entrance
Atrium
Elevators
Information
University Ave.
To Queen’s Park
TTC Subway Station
To St. Patrick
TTC Subway
Station
The TTC has parking lots at the following stations: Don Mills,
Downsview, Eglinton West, Ellesmere, Finch, Islington,
Keele, Kennedy, Kipling, Lawrence East, Leslie,Victoria Park,
Warden, Wilson,York Mills and Yorkdale.
ATM
$
Food Court
Black
Elevators
20
Entrance
Parking
SickKids has parking available under the hospital. The garage
entrance is on the southeast corner of the hospital, on Elm
Street. The lot accepts payment in cash only.
Hill
Elevators
Burton
Elevators
ATM
Gerrard St.
Parking
Elevators
$
Emergency
Entrance
EMERGENCY
To Emergency
ATM
Street parking is available, but read the signs carefully. Do not
park on nearby streets before 9:30 a.m. or between 3:30 and
6:30 p.m.
ATM
$
Entrance
Food Court
Do not park in the Emergency driveway or in the driveways
off Gerrard Street, Elizabeth Street or University Avenue. Cars
will be ticketed and towed away. For parking questions, call
Property Management at 416-813-5445.
25
$
Elm St.
For bi-weekly and monthly discounts, bring your ticket and
cash or credit card payment to the Business Office. The
Business Office is located in room M410, near Shoppers Drug
Mart. You can purchase parking gift certificates at Property
Management, 77 Elm St., room 101.
N
Elizabeth St.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
Welcome
15Nearby accommodations and travel
6Clinic appointments
16 SickKids Foundation
7
16 SickKids contact numbers
Staying at the hospital
12Information, support and services
Welcome
Parent Tip!
There is an Information Desk on the main floor in the Atrium
to help you find your way. It is open weekdays from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. You can also call 416-813-1500.
About SickKids
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is recognized as one
of the world’s foremost paediatric health-care institutions and is
Canada’s leading centre dedicated to advancing children’s health
through the integration of patient care, research and education.
Founded in 1875 and affiliated with the University of Toronto,
SickKids is one of Canada’s most research-intensive hospitals
and has generated discoveries that have helped children globally.
Its mission is to provide the best in complex and specialized
family-centred care; pioneer scientific and clinical advancements;
share expertise; foster an academic environment that nurtures
health-care professionals; and champion an accessible,
comprehensive and sustainable child health system. SickKids
is proud of its vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.
Family-centred care
Parents are encouraged to be active participants in their child’s
care and to assist the health-care team in developing the best
possible treatment plan. With family-centred care, we:
• give you the information and support you need
• respect your family’s cultural and religious beliefs,
traditions and ways of coping
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SickKids Family Guidebook
• ask you to tell us about your child and make
suggestions to us about caring for your child
• encourage you to ask questions and tell us
about any concerns you have
About training at SickKids
As one of the teaching hospitals for the University of Toronto,
SickKids trains people from around the world to become doctors,
nurses and other health-care workers. During your stay, your child
may be seen by one of these students. Be assured these students are
well supervised by our professional staff.
About research at SickKids
SickKids conducts important research to help improve the lives of
children now and in the future. While you are here, we may ask if
you or your child would like to take part in one of our research
studies. We will explain why we are doing the study and how it
will work. Participation in research is voluntary. No matter what
your choice, your child will get the same quality of care.
Respect
Families, patients, visitors, staff and volunteers are expected
to treat others with dignity and respect at all times.
Privacy
Ensuring the privacy of children and families is of utmost importance
to us. Staff will not discuss other patients or families with you.
You are welcome to offer friendship and support to other parents
and families, but please respect their wishes for privacy.
Photographs/video
Please do not take photographs or videos of other patients or
their families. Please ask permission before taking a photo/video
of a staff member. Do not post photos/videos of staff, other
patients or their families on the Internet, including social
media sites such as Facebook, Twitter,YouTube or CarePages.
Parent Tip!
To find a patient, call 416-813-6621.
To call a patient’s room, dial 416-813-7600 and then
enter the extension.
When your child is admitted, the information clerk or the
nursing staff on your child’s unit will ask you to fill out a
Family Identification Badge. For security purposes, always
wear the ID badge during your child’s stay.
If you are separated or divorced, bring along any legal papers
that show who has custody of your child and who can make
decisions about your child’s care.
Healthy visitors only!
Do not visit the hospital if you are sick or have been sick
in the last week.
Family members and children over 12 years of age should
check themselves for the following symptoms before they
come to SickKids:
Consent
Staff may approach you with an opportunity for you or your child
to participate in an interview or to appear in photos or videos that
will be used for SickKids’ promotional purposes or for the news
media. We will not publish or release photos, videos or information
without your consent.You are not obligated to participate in these
opportunities and your decision will not impact the quality of care
your child receives.
Visiting
Parent Tip!
If you are not familiar with the area or the city, please allow
plenty of time to get to SickKids.
Parents are welcome to come to SickKids at any time of the day
or night. If you visit after 8 p.m., please use the Atrium entrance
on Elizabeth Street.
Visiting hours for others are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.Visitors need
to check in with the clerk at your unit’s information desk first.
Some units have special guidelines.
Please do not bring latex balloons, fresh flowers or plants with
you to the hospital.
Your child can have up to four visitors at one time, including
parents (or guardians). This may vary on each unit.
• fever
• new or unexplained cough
• unexplained shortness of breath
• diarrhea or vomiting
• runny nose/sneezing
• rash
Visitors 12 years of age and younger will be checked to make
sure they are healthy and will be given a “badge of good health”
sticker. Children who do not receive a sticker may be asked to
come back when they are healthy again.
Safety Tip!
Please wash your hands when you enter and leave the
hospital, and before and after you visit, feed or provide
care for your child.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs for children or parents with disabilities are
allowed at SickKids. Please make sure they are clean and
have up-to-date immunizations.
Reminder
NO SMOKING! Smoking is not allowed on SickKids
property, either inside or outside, including in the
underground parking garage.
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5
Clinic appointments
Check in first
Register for your appointment at your clinic or at the Clinic
Registration near the Atrium entrance on Elizabeth Street.
Arrive early so you have enough time to register.
Parent Tip!
To find your clinic phone number, call 416-813-1500.
Bring the following:
• your child’s Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) card
• your child’s SickKids card
• your appointment card or letter
• any medical information, such as referral letters,
X-rays or CT scans
Parent Tip!
Sometimes there is a wait. Remember to bring toys, books,
nut-free snacks, diapers and formula to keep your child comfortable and occupied.
If you or your child are sick before your appointment
Call the clinic if you or your child have had a cold, cough,
diarrhea, fever or rash within two days of your appointment,
or have been sick with or exposed to chicken pox in the last
three weeks.Your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
Tell the nurse or your doctor if your child has been in
a hospital outside of Canada within the last 12 months.
If you need to cancel
If you cannot come to your child’s appointment, it is important
that you call the clinic as soon as possible to cancel and reschedule.
This will allow the hospital to schedule another child who needs
to be seen.
Try not to bring other children to the appointment
If other children must come, please consider taking them
to the Play Park during your visit.
Play Park 416-813-8884
The Play Park is a free, fun and safe place for clinic patients
and siblings to play. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m.
to 4 p.m. and weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. It is located
on the main floor of the Atrium, next to the parking elevators.
All children over 2 ½ years of age are welcome. Trained early
childhood education staff and volunteers will watch your children
carefully.You do not need to book in advance to use the Play Park.
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Staying at the hospital
Getting ready for the hospital
Pre-operative tour program 416-813-6216
The pre-operative tour program helps you and your child
prepare for an operation and hospital stay. Children can view
a photo book, engage in medical play with hospital masks and
equipment, have their questions answered in a developmentally
appropriate way and take a tour of the hospital. Parents and older
patients are welcome to meet with a Child Life specialist to discuss
what their stay at SickKids will be like.
Virtual tour of the operating room
A virtual tour of the operating room is available for parents
and children who are unable to participate in the pre-operative
tour program. To view it, visit www.sickkids.ca and search
for “Virtual Tour.”
Before arriving for an operation
A nurse will call you a few days before your child’s operation.
The nurse will tell you what time to come to SickKids and
what your child can eat and drink ahead of time. It is important
to follow these instructions.
You will be given a number to call if you have any questions.
If you do not receive a call, please contact your doctor’s office.
Parent Tip!
Plan to be at the hospital at least two hours before your
child’s operation.
What to bring:
• your child’s Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) card
• your child’s SickKids card
• any medicines your child is taking
• medical information, such as an X-ray,
CT scan or vaccination record
• family doctor’s name and telephone number
• information about drug reactions or food allergies
You might also need:
• your child’s pre-admission form
• other health insurance information or drug card
• an immigration record, if your child was born
outside of Canada
Things to bring from home:
• your child’s own clothes, including non-skid footwear
and clothes for going home
• a few favourite toys, books, family pictures or a pillow
to remind your child of home
• toiletries, like toothpaste, toothbrush, brush, comb,
shampoo and soap
• any important medical aids such as eyeglasses,
hearing aids, braces or crutches
• disposable diapers, diaper bag and a stroller
• lip balm for dry lips
• if you are staying with your child, a blanket, pillow and
any clothing or personal items you will need for yourself
Parent Tip!
Remember to put your name on all personal items you bring.
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Do not bring:
• latex balloons
• baby walkers
• small toys that can be swallowed
• toys that make sparks
• food with nuts
• fresh flowers or plants
• valuable items
Keeping track of your child’s medical history
SickKids offers tools to help you keep track of your child’s
medical history.You are encouraged to complete one of these tools,
keep it with you and show it to your child’s health-care providers,
when needed.
• MyHealth Passport: Visit www.sickkids.ca/myhealthpassport.
After you fill out the online form, it will generate a walletsized card and a file you can download to your cell phone
or other portable device. It lists your child’s medical conditions,
past procedures/treatments, allergies and other health issues.
It will also list your child’s medications.
• Family Journal: This personal journal allows you to record
important information about your child’s health. A special
section also allows you and your child to express your personal
thoughts and feelings and any questions you may have. To
download the Family Journal, go to www.sickkids.ca and
search for “Family Journal.”
• Medication History Worksheet: If you do not have
access to the Internet, you can get a copy of a Medication
History Worksheet at your SickKids clinic.
Safety Tip!
Ensure your child is always wearing his or her ID band and, if
necessary, an allergy band.
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SickKids Family Guidebook
At the hospital
When you arrive
Please go directly to your unit.You can ask someone at the
Information Desk in the Atrium for directions or use one of
the multilingual information kiosks that can be found near
entrances to the hospital. The touch-screen kiosks offer maps
and directions in several languages.You can print the directions
to help guide you along to your destination.
A nurse will admit you and your child to the unit and will help
you fill out forms and get settled in. We will make every effort
to make your child’s stay as comfortable as possible.
Reminder
Remember to get your Family Identification Badge from
the staff on your unit.
Ask your health-care team:
• how you can be involved in your child’s care
• how you can help your child adjust to being in hospital
• what you should expect during your child’s treatment
and stay in hospital
• who will be caring for your child
• who you should call for information
Tell your health-care team:
• your child’s normal routines and preferences, such as
food preferences or feeding routines, sleep routines
and bathing preferences
• any special fears the staff should be aware of, such as
fear of the dark, loud noises, needles
• any special words your child uses to name body parts,
important objects or needs
• if your child uses any special aids such as glasses
or a hearing aid
• how your child is likely to react in certain situations
and effective strategies to help your child cope
• how you would like to be involved in your child’s care,
such as bathing or changing diapers
Staying in your child’s room
Most children have their own room with a day-bed for one
parent. A nurse will provide you with linens for the day-bed
and a towel.You should bring a pillow and blanket from home.
Parent meals
Food can be delivered to parents through our guest tray
program. Please ask the Meal Train office to send you a
menu.You must pre-pay for your meal in the Terrace Café.
Brothers and sisters cannot stay overnight in your child’s room.
Read the “Where to Stay” section of this guidebook for
information on nearby accommodations for family members.
Parents can bring food from home, which can be stored
in the fridge and heated in the microwave that is available
on in-patient units.
Safety Tip!
Help ensure your child is safe by reducing clutter in the room
and supervising your child in the bathroom, as necessary.
Sleeping safe
Ensure your child is always in a safe sleep environment:
• Children under two years of age must be in a crib.
• Infants should be on their back to sleep, unless
another position is required for medical reasons.
• Always put the side rails up.
• Keep the crib clear of toys and blankets.
• Do not sleep in the same bed as your child.
• Do not leave your child in a stroller or car seat to sleep.
Meals
Please help your child select meals from the Meal Train menu
you receive from the nurse.You can call extension 6622 from
the telephone in your child’s room during the following hours
to have the meal delivered. It will be delivered within 45 minutes
of ordering.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding and/or need to pump milk while
your child is hospitalized, please ask your nurse if you can
borrow a breast pump and pump kits. If you have questions
about breastfeeding, please talk to your nurse or call a
lactation consultant at 416-813-5757 (press option 2).
A breastfeeding room with a pump is located on the 5th floor,
Atrium, room 5703 (towards unit 5A).
You can store breast milk at the hospital during your child’s
stay. Please ensure you take it home safely when your child
is discharged. Ask your nurse to help arrange this. Breast
milk that is left behind will be discarded after one month.
Safety Tip!
Two people, one of whom must be a health professional,
must check the name, date of birth and hospital ID number
on the breast milk container before feeding to ensure that it
is your milk for your child.
• Breakfast: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Dinner: 4:15 to 6:15 p.m.
An employee from our Meal Train office will work with you to
adjust the menu to meet your child’s specific diet and allergies.
Vegetarian, kosher and halal meals are also available.
Safety Tip!
Never share food or drinks with other children on the unit.
Certain foods may be harmful.
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Things to do for children
Bear Theatre
Every Thursday night at 6 p.m., you and your child can watch
Tails, a free show for kids in the Bear Theatre on the 4th floor.
Brownies and Cubs 416-813-5284
On Tuesday and Wednesday at 6 p.m., you and your child can
make crafts with the Brownies and Cubs in the Bear Theatre.
Special occasions
If a special occasion, such as a birthday, occurs during your
child’s stay, contact your Child Life specialist!
Therapeutic Clown Program 416-813-6629
SickKids’ therapeutic clowns ease the stress of hospitalization
by bringing gentle play, humour and laughter to children
and their families.
Staying connected
Family Centre
Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Family Centre, on the main floor in room M200, has books
for children of all ages including books on tape, large print books,
magazines and books in different languages. It also has computers.
Story time takes place weekdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and is
broadcast on channel 41 in your child’s room.
Marnie’s Lounge
Marnie’s Lounge, on the 4th floor in room 4318, is a comfortable
room for patients to play computer games, watch TV, make crafts
and play pool or board games.
Play rooms
Play rooms and activities are available on most units. If your
child cannot leave his or her hospital room, please speak
with a Child Life specialist on your unit.
PAWS (Pets at Work Program)
Friendly, specially trained dogs visit different units of the Hospital
on different days. Ask your unit clerk for more information.
School work
The Toronto District School Board offers instruction to elementary
and secondary school students during their stay in the Hospital.
Ask your nurse for details.
SickKids TV
Each patient room has a free television with cable.
SickKids also has its own channels which show children’s
programming every day. Check out channels 39, 40 and 41.
Closed captioning is available.
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Telephones
Each patient room has a free telephone.You can make local calls,
but long distance calls must be made collect or charged to a telephone
card.You can buy telephone cards in the 5 Fifty 5 Shop or next
to the Information Desk on the main floor of the Atrium.
The AboutKidsHealth Family Resource Centre on the main floor
has free telephones for parent use.
There are a limited number of video phones available for patients
who are hospitalized for extended periods of time. These can be
requested from the Child Life Specialist assigned to your unit.
Computers
Computers with Internet access are available for use, free of charge,
in the AboutKidsHealth Family Resource Centre.
Cell phone and other wireless use
Cell phones and other wireless devices are permitted throughout
the hospital, as long as they are used no closer than one metre from
medical equipment.They are NOT allowed in the Critical Care Unit,
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Operating Room.
Wireless access
SickKidsWiFi is the name of SickKids’ wireless network that
offers free wireless access to the Internet for patients, families
and guests while at SickKids. Any mobile device with IEEE
802.11a or 802.11g Wi-Fi with web browsing capability can
be used to connect to SickKidsWiFi. Users can connect to
SickKidsWiFi from anywhere in SickKids where wireless
coverage exists. Currently, this covers most areas in the Atrium
(including patient rooms) and the Main Floor of the Black,
Burton and Hill wings (including the food court by Tim Hortons).
For more information, please read the Welcome to SickKidsWiFi
information sheet available from your nursing station.
Upopolis
Upopolis is a computer-based program that allows children and
adolescents to stay connected to friends and family. Patients can
also connect with kids in other children’s hospitals throughout
Canada and learn more about their illness and treatments. Please
talk to your Child Life specialist to determine the availability
of this resource.
CarePages
CarePages are private, personalized web pages that allow you and
your child to share information, receive support and keep in touch
with your support network. Everyone is automatically emailed
when you post a new update, so you spend less time on the phone.
Visit www.carepages.com/sickkids to set up a page before, during
or after your stay.
Going home
Before you go home, your child’s nurse will tell you about:
• your child’s medicine
• how to care for your child at home
• any follow-up clinic appointments that your child has
• who to call if you have questions
Preparing your local health-care team
It may be possible to connect via video conferencing with
your local health-care team prior to going home to help
them understand how to continue your child’s care.
Ask your doctor if this would be suitable.
Picking up your child
If you send someone to pick up your child from the hospital, that
person must be at least 16 years old and have a signed letter from
you that says he or she has your permission to pick up your child.
Taking your child home safely
We want to make sure that you get home safely. All children
must be fastened into an approved car or booster seat or wear
a seatbelt while they are travelling in a car.
Please bring your child’s car seat with you when you come
to take your child home.
Safety Tip!
All children must ride in a car seat or wear a seatbelt while
travelling in a vehicle. If you need a car seat, please notify
your unit clerk one day in advance.
Parent Tip!
If you need medicine that your doctor ordered, you can
buy it at Shoppers Drug Mart on the main floor.
Follow-up appointments
You may be able to attend some of your SickKids follow-up
appointments via a video link from your local health-care facility.
Ask your physician prior to discharge if this would be appropriate.
Home care
If your health-care team decides that your child needs
special care at home, ask them to refer you to a Community
Care Access coordinator who can arrange for services before
you leave the hospital.
Safety Tip!
Ensure you understand how to use medications and
equipment that you are bringing home. Ask someone to
demonstrate how equipment works if you are not sure.
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Information, Support and Services
Seeing your child ill, injured, in pain or simply fearful in a new
and strange environment can be difficult for you and your family.
Use these resources to help you during this time.
Family Centre 416-813-5819
At the Family Centre, you can borrow books and DVDs
on medical topics and child raising, find information about
community resources and support groups, use computers to
check email and do information searches, and access fax, printing
and photocopy services. A telephone is available for use in a
private area. The Family Resource Centre is on the main floor
in room M200, near Shoppers Drug Mart. It is open Monday
to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
AboutKidsHealth www.aboutkidshealth.ca
At AboutKidsHealth.ca, you will find information on hundreds
of topics in English and several other languages. It is a website
you can trust for information about your child’s illness.You will
find information about conditions and diseases, child development,
wellness, learning and education, and more. The site also has
games and activities for children.
Bioethics 416-813-5000
If you have difficult decisions to make, or are unsure what the right
thing is to do for your child, you may talk to your child’s doctor,
nurse or social worker. Bioethicists can also help you with difficult
ethical decisions and are available to speak with you confidentially.
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Chaplains 416-813-6620
Chaplains of different faiths offer emotional and spiritual support
to you and your family while your child is in the hospital. There is
a chapel on the first floor of the Atrium, a meditation room on the
second floor of the Atrium and a prayer room on the 1st floor of
the Black Wing.
Child and Family Relations 416-813-6181
At SickKids, we believe the best care occurs when we can build
positive relationships with patients and families. We care about
your SickKids experience and want to know if you have
comments or concerns about the treatment of your child.
If it is a question, complaint, comment or compliment, you should
first share it with your care team or unit manager. If this is not
possible, you can contact Child and Family Relations. No matter
who you contact, you will be treated seriously and with respect.
The service is located on the main floor in room M223.
It is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.You
can also leave a confidential message at 416-813-6181.
Child Life
Child Life specialists use play and their knowledge of child
development to help your child understand and cope with
hospitalization and treatments. Specialists are assigned to each
in-patient and most outpatient units. Please contact your unit
clerk to identify the specialist available to you and your child
during your stay.
Parent Tip!
When discussing your child’s medical condition with
your other children, be honest and age-appropriate.
Family Legal Health Program
The Family Legal Health Program is a free legal service for
low-income families whose children receive treatment at SickKids.
The program helps with non-medical issues that can impact your
child’s health or your family’s ability to care for your child. Ask a
staff member to refer you to the program if you need assistance.
Hearing services
SickKids has a number of devices and services that the deaf,
deafened and hard of hearing can use during their stay, including:
• TTY (teletypewriter) units to plug into phones
• Telephone amplifiers
• Pocketalkers to amplify conversations and consultations
• Visual noise alerts including Call Alert and Alertmaster systems
• American Sign Language interpreters
To use any of these hearing devices or services, please ask
your unit clerk.
A TTY set can also be used at the Information Desk on
the main floor of the Atrium.
Interpreter Services
Please let a member of the health-care team know if you need an
interpreter for medical appointments or for discussions with your
child’s health-care team. If you cannot make your appointment,
please be sure to cancel it 24 hours in advance so that your
interpreter can also be cancelled.
Social Work
Social workers can help you and your child deal with personal,
social and financial issues related to your stay at SickKids.
Reminder
Support groups
Speak with your nurse, social worker or other members of the
health-care team about how you are feeling. They may be able to
help you understand your responses and identify effective coping
strategies. Let your nurse or social worker know if you would like
to be directed to one of the many support groups available for
parents. Groups include parent coffee hours on in-patient units,
online groups and community-based programs.
Parent Tip!
Keep lines of communication open with other family
members. It may be helpful to identify a trusted person
who can share and communicate information to others.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a service that allows SickKids staff to connect
to children and their families, via video, from every hospital, and
many children’s mental health and community agencies throughout
Ontario. If you live outside of Toronto, you may be able to use this
service to connect to your SickKids health-care team. Ask your
doctor if this suitable for your child.
YMCA
Free passes to use fitness and recreation facilities at the nearby
YMCA are available through Child and Family Relations.
Call 416-813-6181.
Volunteers and volunteering
Volunteers provide a number of services that support patients
and families at SickKids.Volunteer groups and volunteer
opportunities include:
• Volunteer Resources 416-813-5284:Volunteers
provide parent respite, visit with patients and assist families
in the clinics.You will recognize SickKids volunteers by
their blue uniform vest and volunteer photo ID badge.
• Women’s Auxiliary 416-813-5782: Complements
SickKids staff by providing an extra dimension of support
for patients and families. Its services include the Play Park.
We understand that this may be a new environment for you.
We expect you to ask questions.
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If you have concerns about finances
Sometimes government programs or service clubs, such as
the Rotary Club, Lions Club or Easter Seals, will help families
pay for things while their child is in hospital. Before you come
to the hospital, ask your local community if it can help.
Parent Tip!
Save your medical receipts. Many costs related to your
child’s treatment may be used as income tax deductions.
For more information, visit the website of the Canada
Revenue Agency.
Shoppers Drug Mart 416-813-6700
Shoppers Drug Mart is owned and operated by SickKids. It is
a fully-operational pharmacy, as well as a store selling a variety
of items, including personal hygiene products, vitamins, snacks
and drinks.
Specialty Food Shop 416-813-5294/1-800-737-7976
www.specialtyfoodshop.ca
The Specialty Food Shop sells food for children and adults with
special diets. Registered dietitians will help you find the right
foods.You can also visit its website and order online.
For your convenience
Where to eat
SickKids has many different places for families and visitors
to eat, all located on the main floor of the hospital.
Terrace Café
Terrace Café offers a wide variety of food and is open Monday
to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Fountain, a snack bar in the Café, is open
until midnight. Terrace Café gift cards are available from the cashier.
Other places to eat
• Jugo Juice
• Tim Hortons (open 24 hours)
• Pastabilities
• Starbucks (open 24 hours)
• Ichiban Sushi Express
• Soup it Up
• Subway
Shops
All proceeds from these shops, located on the main floor of the
hospital, go to support patient care and research at SickKids.
5 Fifty 5 Shop 416-813-8555
The 5 Fifty 5 Shop is run by the Women’s Auxiliary. It sells gifts,
cards, toys, games, books, jewelry, stamps and telephone cards.
Gateway Newstands
With an emphasis on the daily needs of shoppers, Gateway
Newstands offers magazines, newspapers, snacks, beverages
and more.
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SickKids Family Guidebook
ATM machines
• near the Clinic Registration desk
• across from the Specialty Food Shop
• at the Terrace Café entrance
• near Tim Hortons
Canada Post mailbox
• outside the Atrium entrance
Laundry machines
• Free laundry machines are available for parents and patients,
24 hours a day, on the 4th floor, room 4308, across from
Marnie’s Lounge. Please follow the posted rules.
• Coin-operated laundry machines are located across from
the hospital in the Alan Brown Building at 77 Elm St.
and at the Residence College Hotel at 90 Gerrard St. West.
Newspapers
• at Gateway Newstands
• at Shoppers Drug Mart
• in boxes outside the Atrium entrance
• in boxes outside the University Avenue entrance
Wheelchairs
• near the Atrium entrance
• near the University Avenue entrance
Parent Tip!
If you are leaving the unit, let a member of your health-care
team know.
Nearby accommodations and travel
Parent Tip!
For more information about Toronto, call
416-392-CITY (2489) or visit www.toronto.ca
Ronald McDonald House Toronto 416-977-0458
www.rmhtoronto.org
Ronald McDonald House is a place to stay for out-of-town
families with children being treated for serious illnesses.
Contact Social Work at 416-813-6805 about a referral.
Other accommodations
Contact these hotels directly to ask about special hospital
rates or search online for seasonal discounts.
Direct phone lines to a taxi company are available at the
Elizabeth Street and University Avenue entrances.
Some bus and train companies offer companion fares for family
members accompanying children to medical appointments.
Hope Air is a national charity that helps Canadians get to
medical treatment when they cannot afford the flight costs.
Visit www.hopeair.org.
Horizons Air offers special rates to families. Contact Social Work
at 416-813-6805 for details.
Transportation numbers
GO Transit – 1-888-438-6646, www.gotransit.com
Toronto Coach Terminal – 416-393-7911
• Courtyard Marriott
475 Yonge St. at College Street
1-800-847-5075; www.marriott.com
• Delta Chelsea Hotel
33 Gerrard St. West
1-800-243-5732; www.deltachelsea.com
• Super 8 Hotel
222 Spadina Ave., south of Dundas Street
1-888-561-7666; www.super8downtowntoronto.com
Travel Tips
• TTC subway and bus tokens are cheaper in bulk
• Taxi from Union Station: about $8
• Taxi from Pearson International Airport: about $55
• A bus to Pearson Airport leaves from the Delta Chelsea
Hotel about twice every hour: $20 for a one-way trip
• Taxi from the Toronto City Airport: about $12
Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) – 416-393-4636, www.ttc.ca
VIA Rail – 1-888-842-7245, www.viarail.com
Wheel-Trans – 416-393-4222
Road conditions information –
416-235-4686, www.mto.gov.on.ca
Weather information – 416-661-0123, www.theweathernetwork.com
www.sickkids.ca
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SickKids Foundation
sickkids Contact numbers
416-813-6166
www.sickkidsfoundation.com
SickKids Foundation is driven by the belief that improving the
health and well-being of children is one of the most powerful
ways to improve society. Since its inception in 1972, the
Foundation has granted more than $800 million to SickKids
thanks to the generous support of our donors.
Information............................................................416-813-1500
Donations are a critical source of funding at SickKids and
there are many ways you can help:
Chaplains................................................................416-813-6620
To reach a patient...................................................416-813-7600
AboutKidsHealth . .................................................416-813-5819
Breastfeeding consultation.......................................416-813-5757
Child and Family Relations....................................416-813-6181
• Donate online or through the Foundation desk or
Foundation kiosk in the Atrium
• Host your own special event fundraiser
• Purchase a SickKids Lottery ticket
• Buy Get Better Gifts and holiday greeting cards
• Build a legacy through a bequest or a planned gift
• Engage your employer through a corporate gift or
employee giving campaign
Clown visits ..........................................................416-813-6629
Parking...................................................................416-813-5445
Parent Information Line.........................................416-813-7700
Patient Information Line.........................................416-813-6621
Visit us at www.sickkidsfoundation.com or at the SickKids
Foundation desk in the Atrium to find out more about how
you can get involved.
Play Park ...............................................................416-813-8242
The future of healthier children starts here. Help us change
their world so they can change ours. Together We Will.
Protection Services (security) .................................416-813-7122
Pre-operative Tour Program....................................416-813-6216
Shoppers Drug Mart...............................................416-813-6700
Social workers........................................................416-813-6805
Specialty Food Shop...............................................416-813-5294
Volunteer Resources...............................................416-813-5284
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SickKids Family Guidebook
Women’s Auxiliary..................................................416-813-5782
Notes
Things I need to remember
www.sickkids.ca
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Also available in other languages.
555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8
416-813-1500 www.sickkids.ca
Form #39282
April 2012