Child Life aims to meet the needs of each family. They provide play opportunities and help to normalize and educate kids and families about medical procedures.
Child Life programs offer services to address the emotional and social needs of you and your child:
- Age-appropriate activities and explanations
- Medical and therapeutic play opportunities
- Coping techniques such as breathing, relaxation and distraction during procedures
- Special events and entertainment, including seasonal holiday events both in the in-patient unit and in the Child Life Zone
Child Life offers services to many areas of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH):
- Pre-operation tours and support on surgery day
- MRI ready program
- Diagnostic imaging
- In-patient (overnight) units
- Out-patient (non-overnight) clinic procedures, including oncology and hemodialysis
- Children’s emergency room
- High acuity pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
The Child Life Zone offers an exceptional environment for patients to escape the stress of the hospital. The Child Life Zone places patients first and caters to the needs of the family, giving parents a chance to see their children smiling and enjoying normal, everyday activities. Various events and programs are available in the Child Life Zone throughout the week.
Events may include:
- Music and art therapy
- “Expressive” art
- Pet therapy
- Storytime
- Use of kitchen for baking and cooking
- Medical play center
- Gaming and movie area
- Special visitors from local and provincial sports teams
- Various “Special Events”
Child Life is available to any patient, sibling and family within Jim Pattison Children's Hospital. Please talk to your nurse about connecting with the Child Life Program.
Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone Background
The Child Life Zone was created through a partnership between Garth Brooks’ Teammates for Kids Foundation and the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Fundraising events featuring Garth Brooks raised over $2 million. These funds were put towards developing the 2,800 square foot space. An additional $3 million was donated by the Mosaic Company to support the long-term programming for the Zone.
This space is the first of its kind in Canada. Saskatchewan’s new Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone will join 11 other sites across North America.
The Zone will be home to certified Child Life Specialists. These specialists teach kids about their illness and what to expect during treatment. They do this through play, education and self-expression. They will also provide support, before, during and after procedures.
Contact Information
For more information, call 306-655-3225 or send us an email.