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
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.
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.
Parent Tip! Ask your nurse about borrowing a car seat.
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.
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.