Information for Patients and Families

If your child is to have surgery, we want to make sure you are well-prepared for the procedure. As a family-centered care provider, we encourage parents to stay with their child as much as possible during the hospitalization. A pre-operative lesson will be given after admission, and usually includes a visit to the recovery room in order to familiarize the family with the environment. Staff members of the care unit will explain the surgery and answer your questions and concerns.

Your Checklist for Admission

• Contact social services at (514) 282-6960 or at our toll-free number, 1-800-361-7526 extension 6960, if your child will need translation services for hearing, speaking, or visual impairments.  
• Arrange transportation. Patients under 18 years old must be accompanied by a legal guardian. 
• If your child is having surgery, be sure his or her hair is free of beads, hair extensions, and accessories.

After you've done all of the above, make sure you did not forget anything by verifying your checklist.

For the Parents...

Parents may visit the Parent's Lounge, located on the second floor of the hospital, to have a moment to relax or to consult educational books or videos. It is also possible for one parent or family member to stay at the hospital with the child during the night. A bedchair is available in the child's room.

A family resource library is located in the hospital's clinic waiting area. The librarian can guide families to the information they need at every point in their child’s care. Library materials can be borrowed by patients and their families. The collection includes books and pamphlets addressing a variety of information needs. We have resources for patients themselves, as well as for their parents, siblings, and other family members. We offer documentation related to specific conditions and treatments, as well as information on more general topics such as self-esteem, nutrition, family life and discipline. We also cover community and other services.

Rights of the Hospitalized Child

At the Shriners Hospital in Canada, we strongly believe in children rights.