McMaster Children's Hospital
1200 Main St. West Hamilton, ON, Canada

When the world changed due to COVID-19, so did the way we connect with our patients and families. Healthcare providers from McMaster Children’s Hospital created nearly 50 video resources for families to access during the pandemic on a variety of topics, including "Caring During COVID," "Back to School," and "Youth Suicide Prevention."

There’s no doubt the pandemic brought challenges to children’s healthcare. But through all this, McMaster Children's Hospital has continued to provide exemplary care for sick children in our region and advocate on behalf of patients and families. Take a look through the top stories of 2020: https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//2020-mcmaster-chil/

Today is World Diabetes Day. To support families affected by childhood diabetes through the pandemic, a team from McMaster University & McMaster Children’s Hospital launched a new website, covid19childhooddiabetes.com. Learn more: https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//website-for-covid-/

Dr. Christine Wekerle discusses how parents can help their kids find resilience during stressful times like the COVID 19 pandemic. Dr. Wekerle is part of the Offord Centre for Child Studies, one of our research institutes. https://youtu.be/M2s9qhUGxeI

Dr. Martha Fulford, infectious diseases specialist at McMaster Children's Hospital, will be speaking with CBC Hamilton tomorrow at noon about celebrating a safe Halloween. Tune in!

Consider supporting kids’ health care in Hamilton this holiday season. Visit hamiltonhealth.ca to make a monetary donation toward our programs and much-needed equipment, or click the link below to see our in-kind donation wish list: https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//ways-to/child-life/

Congratulations to one of our own! Bruce Squires, President of McMaster Children’s Hospital, has been named Chair of the Board of Directors of Children’s Healthcare Canada. https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//mch-president-boar/

What we don’t know and what a lot of parents ask us is whether there are any long-term effects on the heart." Dr. Michelle Batthish and her HHS colleagues are studying Kawasaki disease. Kawasaki Disease Canada

Is it a cold, flu or COVID-19? Getting your flu shot can help reduce symptom confusion and keep our healthcare system responsive to COVID-19. If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19, contact your primary care provider. www.hamilton.ca/flu lists flu shot locations locally.

Today is Remembrance Day. We remember and pay tribute to those who have served, and those who continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict, and peace. We owe them our deepest gratitude.

Starting December 2, all visitors and patients at any Hamilton Health Sciences site - including McMaster Children's Hospital - must wear the medical-grade mask provided by our screeners. This will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 within our facilities and keep everyone protected.

Learn how to prepare for a virtual visit an appointment with your doctor or health care team that does not involve an in-person meeting. Virtual visits allow patients to connect with their healthcare provider during a phone visit or electronically during an e-visit, using a computer, tablet or smartphone.

"School has started across Canada. Kids are learning online, in person or with a hybrid model. Parents chose one of these models based on physicians’ recommendations of risks of COVID-19 in school and their capacity to support learning at home. Did their racial identity play a role in those decisions?" Originally published in The Hamilton Spectator, developmental pediatrician Dr. Kassia Johnson reflects on black families returning to school this year.

A safety plan is a good way to have a structured discussion around what to do when thoughts of suicide become stronger, says registered social worker Caden Craig. Learn how to create a plan with your youth to respond in times of crisis.

It’s School Bus Safety Week! Check out these safety tips for drivers and students to help create a safe environment for everyone. Check out the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's website for more info on how to prevent accidents and stay safe: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/eng/safety/school-bus-safety.shtml

It's more important than ever to reduce the spread of the flu. Parents: The best way to protect your child against flu is the flu shot. Young children especially those younger than 2, are at higher risk for flu-related complications. For more info visit: www.hamilton.ca/flu

To support a safe return to school during this unusual time, experts from McMaster Childrens Hospital have created a series of videos for families. Find resources on a variety of topics including masking, distancing, hand washing, easing your childs anxiety, and supporting children with autism: https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/back-to-school/

Wyatt Vasey was selected in a world lottery to receive a one-time gene therapy treatment that costs more than $2 million. Wyatt has spinal muscular atrophy, a disease that damages the muscles and impairs a person's ability to move. Now, his healthcare team is optimistic he'll be able to walk.

Its normal that your child may be asking lots of questions related to COVID-19 and how it has changed what they are used to. Depending on the age and developmental level of your child, Child Life Specialist Rachael Heyns shares some tips to answer. https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//talking-to-children

Bruce Squires, President of McMaster Children's Hospital, rolled up his sleeve earlier today for his annual flu shot! A special thank you goes out to Cocoa the Sloth and Monica for their support.

"Children need hospice palliative care, too," says Dr. Dave Lysecki, lead of the Quality of Life & Advanced Care at McMaster Children’s Hospital. Tuesday Oct. 13 marked the first Canadian National Children’s Hospice Palliative Care Day to raise awareness for the hospice palliative care needs of children and their families.

If your child contracts COVID-19 while at school, what are the chances that your child can spread it to someone else at home? Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Jacqueline Wong explains. https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//can-children-sprea/

Join in on the Childrens Healthcare Coalitions Kids in Crisis Town Hall today at 7 pm for a conversation about the impact of COVID-19 on childrens health. Learn more: https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//sounding-the-alarm/

When in-person appointments were paused due to the pandemic, occupational therapist Lowana Lee was happy to take on a student learner. Lee and McMaster University student Melanie Rodriguez assessed patients virtually, allowing Rodriguez to complete her final clinical placement before graduation without delays.

What is the risk of your child getting COVID-19 at school? Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Jeff Pernica explains. https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//covid-risk-to-child

Today is National Hospice Palliative Care Day. If it takes a village to raise a child into an adult, it takes more than a village to support a child who will never have that opportunity, says Dr Lysecki, lead of the Quality of Life & Advanced Care program. #hpcforchildren

Emergency pediatrician Dr. Anthony Crocco shares three things you should know about masks so you can keep yourself safe. https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/back-to-sch/mask-tips

Getting ready for school this year calls for some specific strategies to stay as safe as possible. Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Sarah Khan shares her top five infection prevention tips for families. https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/back-to-sc/top-5-ipac

It's more important than ever to reduce the spread of flu. Immunize your children against the flu for their protection and the protection of others. The flu shot is recommended for all people 6 months and older. Visit: www.hamilton.ca/flu for flu shot options near you.

Weve partnered with organizations to bring attention to the impact of COVID-19 on childrens health, such as wait times and delays to care which will have lasting impacts. Join the Childrens Healthcare Coalition for a "Kids in Crisis Town Hall" to discuss issues related to the health of our children. Learn more: https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//sounding-the-alarm/

On Suicide Prevention Day, our Child and Youth Mental Health program wants you to know: Were here if you need us. Watch our video to find out what to expect if you come to the emergency department at McMaster Childrens Hospital for a mental health crisis.

Whether your child is learning from home, in the classroom, or a combination of both this school year, we support you in your decision. Visit our website to find practical information to support you during the transition: https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/back-to-school

Preparing your child with autism to return to school may require extra steps due to COVID-19. Visit our Back to School resource for families for strategies on: Returning to school Masking Physical distancing... Hand-washing https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/back-to-school/#autism

Its normal for times of change and uncertainty to take a toll on a persons mental health. We share some coping strategies for parents and children as the community transitions back to school: Talking to children about COVID-19 Radical acceptance Managing school-related anxiety... and more Watch: https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/back-to-school/

Wearing a mask, hand washing, and physical distancing are important safety measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. In the "Infection Prevention" section of our Back to School resource for families, youll find the following videos: Top 5 infection prevention tips... General masking tips COVID-19 risk to children Can children spread COVID-19? Watch: https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/back-to-school/

CBC spoke with two students about their thoughts on going back to school. Our infectious disease specialists, Dr. Pernica and Dr. Fulford, chimed in. https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=1529178753933482&ref=watch_permalink

Today at noon, Dr. Jeff Pernica and Dr. Martha Fulford will be joining the conversation on CBC Hamiltons Facebook page. Tune in!

Monographs are written descriptions of medications that help determine appropriate uses and dosages for patients. In Canada, theres a need for more detailed pediatric information on monographs, says Samira Samiee-Zafarghandy, HHS neonatologist and pediatric clinical pharmacologist. Her findings were published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) Open.

Were looking to recruit new members for our Youth Advisory Council! Email Tija at [email protected] if youre interested in participating.

We cant cancel childhood" says Dr. Sarah Khan, associate medical director of infection prevention and control with Hamilton Health Sciences. Here are some ways we can celebrate Halloween with caution.

Check out CBC Hamiltons Facebook live event with Dr. Martha Fulford and Dr. Kathy Georgiades for information about how to support your childs return to school. Learn more about masking, distancing, and emotional and mental wellbeing. https://www.facebook.com/cbchamilton/videos/3201856703265011

Have questions about the kids going back to school? Head over to CBC Hamiltons Facebook page at noon for a live conversation with our experts.

How might social distancing work when school starts? How will students be able to keep their masks on over an entire school day? What happens if theres an outbreak? How can parents support their childs mental health? Tune into CBC Hamiltons live interview today at noon on Facebook as pediatric psychologist Dr. Kathy Georgiades and infectious diseases specialist Dr. Martha Fulford talk back to school.

Child Life Specialist in our Child and Youth Mental Health Program, Michelle McVittie, shares some tips for supporting children with ADHD while staying home during COVID-19 or going back to school.

Thanks to Hospital News for featuring our Behind the Mask project!

Have you checked out our Caring During COVID video series yet? https://www.youtube.com/watch Comment below and tell us which topics you would like us to cover next!

What will I tell my children? This is one of the first questions that a parent who has been diagnosed with cancer asks. To ensure that the needs of the entire family are met, a donor-funded pilot study is aiming to improve the quality of life for cancer patients by addressing the needs of their children.

Our pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Jacqueline Wong has some answers for parents who are opting for in-person learning from how to ease mask anxiety to what alternatives are safe and available.

Weve updated our visiting guidelines. Pediatric and Child and Youth Mental Health outpatients may have one parent/caregiver attend their visit. https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//appointments-visit/

Ron Joyce Childrens Health Centre is gradually reopening for in-person appointments after several months of offering exclusively virtual care. Hamilton Health Sciences is taking a phased approach and the goal is to begin to safely offer face-face clinical activity.

Meet Ras, one of the volunteers at McMaster Childrens Hospital. While volunteer activities have not yet resumed at our hospitals, Ras is looking forward to helping our families find their way around again soon!

ICYMI: Thank you to everyone who submitted a Smile With Your Eyes #maskie. Check out the photos on Share. https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//smile-with-your-ey/

Thank you to everyone who submitted a maskie for our Smile With Your Eyes campaign! You can see them in Share on our website. https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//smile-with-your-ey/

Some great news about Give Shops! They are now open at Hamilton General Hospital, Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, and McMaster University Medical Centre. See the post below for more info.

While the clinics are virtual, if a physical assessment is required, the family can come into McMaster Childrens Hospital for an appointment.

Our Autism Program is now offering free virtual clinics and consultations. For more information or to book, call 905-521-200 ext. 78972 or email [email protected]. Visit our website to search: https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca//a/current-services/

While youre enjoying the outdoors this weekend, dont forget to take care of your skin! Watch these tips from Dr. Anthony Crocco on how to stay safe in the sun.

Its the long weekend! Heres Dr. Anthony Crocco with some tips on how to stay safe around fires and fireworks.

Because of how severely Nathans spine had curved, it was difficult for him to eat and even breathe. Read how Nathan prepared for, and recovered from, surgery to correct his curve.

Were pleased to contribute to the ongoing effort to support the safe re-opening of schools in Hamilton and across our province as the pandemic continues.

Wear your mask with pride and tag us in a selfie on social media so we can re-share on our channels! Thank you for helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.