Kingston General Hospital

Child Life Programs

CHILD LIFE is

S upporting the growth and development of children and youth
U sing play to facilitate self-expression and creativity
P roviding comfort and distraction, activities to normalize a childs day
P roviding information to help children and families understand illnesses
O ffering procedural support, coping strategies and medical play
R educing the stress and anxiety of children and families
T he embracing of family-centered care

Who Benefits?

Infants who need developmental stimulation and comfort
Children who need distraction during painful procedures
Children who want to play and 'just be a kid'
Children and youth who need information and help in understanding their healthcare experiences and coping strategies
Parents who need support
Siblings who need to feel included in the hospital experience

A Child Life Specialist is

educated, and skilled in child growth and development
part of an interdisciplinary team, contributing to the well being of patients and family
committed to recognizing the diversity and needs of individuals and family
dedicated to making play an integral part of child life practise knowing that children learn, achieve and express themselves through play
committed to nurturing relationships built on trust, respect and professional competence enabling individuals and families to effectively cope with challenges to health

Areas CLS work

outpatient clinic areas (KGH and HDH)
Oncology, Diabetes, Gastro Intestinal, Cystic Fibrosis
inpatients at KGH and Adolescent Psychiatry at HDH
referrals to KGH Emergency, Outpatient Procedures Unit, Sameday Admissions Unit,
Intensive Care and Neo-natal Intensive Care units.

KGH Child Life Volunteers commit to a weekly shift on the pediatric inpatient unit. They spend time comforting and playing with infants, children and youth, and supporting parents.

More than 75 volunteers gave over 3500 hours of their time in 2003! Child Life volunteers operate the playroom at the Childrens Outpatient Centre at Hotel Hospital providing play activities for patients and siblings while waiting for appointments.

To Support My Child I Can...