Staying connected
Telephones
Each patient room has a free telephone. You can make local calls, but long distance calls must be made collect or charged to a telephone card. You can buy telephone cards in the 5 Fifty 5 Shop or next to the Information Desk on the main floor of the Atrium.
There is a Freefone located in the hospital near the Information Desk in the Atrium. The AboutKidsHealth Family Resource Centre also has free telephones for parent use.
There are a limited number of video phones available for patients who are hospitalized for extended periods of time. These can be requested from the Child Life Specialist assigned to your unit.
Computers
Computers with Internet access are available for use, free of charge, in the AboutKidsHealth Family Resource Centre.
Cell phone and other wireless use
Cell phones and other wireless devices are permitted throughout the hospital, as long as they are used no closer than one metre from medical equipment. They are NOT allowed in the Critical Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Operating Room.
Wireless access
Free wireless Internet access is available on evenings and weekends in the waiting room outside the AboutKidsHealth Family Resource Centre on the main floor. Wireless access will be available throughout the Atrium by late 2010.
Upopolis
Upopolis is a computer-based program that allows children and adolescents to stay connected to friends and family. Patients can also connect with kids in other children’s hospitals throughout Canada and learn more about their illness and treatments. Please talk to your Child Life specialist to determine the availability of this resource.
Read the Upopolis media release here.
Visit the Upopolis website.
CarePages
CarePages are private, personalized web pages that allow you and your child to share information, receive support and keep in touch with your support network. Everyone is automatically emailed when you post a new update, so you spend less time on the phone. Visit CarePages to set up a page before, during or after your stay.