Here's what patients and families need to know before coming to SickKids. Visitor and entrance restrictions are in effect.

Visitor restrictions at SickKids

• One Family Caregiver if you are bringing your child to the Emergency Department.
• One Family Caregiver if you are bringing your child to an appointment or test.
• Two Family Caregivers if your child is being admitted to stay overnight in the hospital. NOTE: only one of these caregivers may go with their child to clinics, tests and surgery/Operating Room areas.
• Siblings and other visitors are not allowed but some exceptions apply. Additional restrictions may apply in some areas of the hospital.

Emergency Department precautions at SickKids

SickKids’ Emergency Department, as well as inpatient and outpatient areas, remain as safe as possible for patients, families and staff. 

• Due to COVID-19, we are taking extra precautions including screening anyone entering the building for respiratory symptoms, travel history and more. The precautions we are taking include careful screening for anyone entering the hospital, personal protective equipment for patients (when appropriate), parents, caregivers and staff, restrictions to our visitor policy and ramped up cleaning by environmental services staff.
• For everyone’s added safety, we are providing masks to all family caregivers and patients (6 years of age and older) coming to the hospital, which must be worn for the duration of the visit. Please wear the mask provided to help lower the risk of community spread while protecting yourself and others at the hospital. This is important as maintaining the required physical distancing rule of staying at least six feet (two metres) apart is not always possible.

SickKids is not a COVID-19 Assessment Centre

Please note: Our Emergency Department is not a COVID-19 assessment centre. We do not test children without symptoms who are being discharged.

• We have specific testing criteria for children who are unwell in the context of an emergency visit. Children with mild symptoms, such as a runny nose, should go to an assessment centre to be tested, instead of coming to the Emergency Department 
• We do not test caregivers and other family members. Find a COVID-19 assessment centre near you and get your family tested.
• We are unable to provide clearance letters for schools since the results of a COVID-19 test would not be available at the time of discharge. Please contact your primary care provider if you require a note for your child's school or daycare.

When to get tested for COVID-19

If you or your child are experiencing any of the following symptoms or have recently travelled internationally, please contact your primary care provider before coming to the hospital:

• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion/stuffy nose
• Cough
• Fever
• Sneezing
• Loss of taste or smell
• Mild vomiting
• Mild diarrhea

Take a COVID-19 self-assessment if you think you or your child may have COVID-19.

Clinics Directory

Bring the following:

You must show valid health-care coverage at every visit. If you do not, you will be required to pay a fee for the visit, unless coverage or insurance can be verified.

Proof of health-care coverage must be valid at the time of visit (not expired).

• If you live in Ontario, show your child’s valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card.
• If you live in another province, show your child’s provincial health-care card.
• If you are a refugee claimant, show your child’s Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) certificate.
• If you have private health insurance, show the appropriate information or documentation.
• If you are receiving support from a Community Health Centre (CHC), show a letter from the CHC.

Sometimes there is a wait. Remember to bring toys, books, nut-free snacks, diapers and formula to keep your child comfortable and occupied.

Check-in

Register for your appointment at your clinic or at Clinic Registration near the Atrium entrance on Elizabeth Street. Arrive early so you have enough time to register.

As part of registration, you may be asked to complete a Health Equity Demographic Information Form. This form asks patients and their caregivers to provide demographic information, such as ethnicity, spoken language, gender and income. We are collecting this information to learn more about our patients and families, to help us plan and improve care and services, and to ensure that we are providing the best possible care for all. It is your choice to give SickKids this information. Patient care will not be affected if you choose not to fill out a form.

Patient ID band

A SickKids identification (ID) band will be placed on your child. The band must be worn on your child’s arm or ankle at all times.

If you or your child are sick before your appointment

Call the clinic if you or your child have had a cold, cough, diarrhea, fever or rash within two days of your appointment, or have been sick with or exposed to chicken pox in the last three weeks. Your appointment may need to be rescheduled. 

Tell the nurse or your doctor if your child has been in a hospital outside of Canada within the last 12 months.

If you need to cancel

If you cannot come to your child’s appointment, it is important that you call the clinic as soon as possible to cancel and reschedule. This will allow the hospital to schedule another child who needs to be seen.

Try not to bring other children to the appointment

If other children must come, please consider taking them to the Play Park during your visit. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. All children over 2 ½ years of age are welcome.

Latex allergies

Call the clinic before coming to the hospital if your child or anyone coming with him or her has a known or suspected allergy to latex.

Wash hands

Please wash your hands when you enter and leave the hospital, and before and after you visit, feed or provide care for your child.

Accessibility

All visitor entrances on the main floor are wheelchair accessible. SickKids has several wheelchair-accessible washrooms on the main floor. Both male and female washrooms in the Atrium have large change tables where children and teens can have diapers changed. There is another private wheelchair-accessible washroom with a large change table on the Service Floor of the Black Wing in Room S213, across the hall from Rehabilitation Services. Wheelchairs are available near the Atrium and University Avenue entrances.

Assistance dogs for children or parents with disabilities are allowed at SickKids. Please make sure they are clean and have up-to-date immunizations.

Interpreter Services

If you need an interpreter, please speak with your child’s nurse or doctor as soon as possible so they can call Interpreter Services to arrange for an interpreter. Please give us at least 24 to 48 hours notice to make it easier for us to find you an interpreter. 

How many family members can accompany the child to the hospital?

Only two adults may escort a child throughout the day from registration to recovery. Your child’s siblings are not permitted to accompany you throughout the day from registration to recovery, for reasons of infection control and patient safety.

Adults who are accompanying a child must wear an identifying sticker.

Is there a place where my other child/children can wait during surgery?

The Play Park is a safe place for brothers and sisters of patients to play. The Play Park is open Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Can I take my infant into recovery because I have no babysitter with me?

Normally, this is not allowed.  The Play Park does not take children under 2 years of age. The patient will remain by him/herself if there is no one to care for the patient.

Can my other child visit in recovery?  Can grandparents and other family members visit in recovery?

The guideline for visiting patients in recovery is for parents only, unless the parent is alone, in which case one other person may accompany the parent for a short visit.  Post Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) nurses discourage switching.  One parent may stay with the child.  Children, in almost all circumstances, are not allowed in PACU. 

Can I come to the recovery room before my child wakes up?

Parents cannot be in the recovery room before their child wakes up.  The PACU nurses need to check up on the child before the parents are called to visit. 

Will I receive information about the progress during the procedure?

For the most part, there are not any updates given during surgery.  The general rule is that volunteers only ask for updates once a procedure exceeds one hour or more over the scheduled time.

Can volunteers give me information about my child?           

Volunteers are unable to give information about a patient unless specifically requested to do so by the surgeon or nurse.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, SickKids is taking precautions to keep everyone at the hospital safe. These measures include having our food and retail spaces accept contactless methods of payment only to help minimize cash handling. For the latest updates on entrance restrictions to the hospital visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information page.

Where to shop and eat at SickKids?

View our "Shop and Eat" retail map. Read on for updates on modified hours of operation, shopping online, prescription delivery and more.

Shoppers Drug Mart (SickKids location) 
Main Floor, University Avenue entrance, Black Wing

The SickKids Shoppers Drug Mart is a full-service outpatient pharmacy catering to the needs of patients, families, employees and the general public. Pharmacists are available to answer your health-related questions. This Shoppers Drug Mart is owned and operated by SickKids and all proceeds support patient care.

How to re-order your prescription refill online, by email or phone:

• Refill with your Shoppers Drug Mart online prescription refill account: Easily request prescription refills online. Get started at http://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/prescriptions.
• Email: shoppersdrugmart.pharmacy@sickkids.ca. Please let us know the prescription numbers of the items that you wish to order, the requested pick-up time and your phone number. A member of our pharmacy team will call you back to confirm within 24 hours.
• Phone: Call SickKids' Shoppers Drug Mart at 416-813-6700. Use our automated telephone refill system. This system is available 24 hours a day and requires that you know your prescription number. Please allow 24 hours for prescription refills or 72 hours for specialized paediatric compounds. You can also  speak with a pharmacy staff member during listed open hours, or leave a voicemail message. Our team will do our best to return your call within 24 hours.

Prescription delivery

If you are  unable to come into the hospital for prescription pick-up, please speak to a member of our pharmacy team to look into courier/delivery arrangements. You may call SickKids' Shoppers Drug Mart at 416-813-6700. You are also welcome to leave a voicemail message with your shipping details, and our team will do our best to return your call within 24 hours.

Shoppers Drug Mart (SickKids location) -- hours of operation

• Open Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Open Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Open Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Closed statutory holidays. Please plan ahead if you need to pick up prescriptions. For any questions, please call SickKids' Shoppers Drug Mart at 416-813-6700.

 

Pharmacy
416-813-6700

The Terrace Café
Main Floor, Atrium

The Terrace Café (Main Floor, Atrium) is proud to offer food selections to patients, parents and staff 365 days a year. It is owned and operated by SickKids and all proceeds support patient care.

View the full menu at www.sickkids.ca/menu.

Terrace Café -- hours of operation:

• Open Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Open Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Food stations open on weekends: The Grill, Chef’s Corner and Pizza Pizza

Hospitality Manager
416-813-6754
 

Specialty Food Shop
Main Floor, Main Street near Black Wing

Specialty Food Shop (Main Floor, Black Wing) provides products and services to children and adults with special dietary needs. It offers the following specialty products: energy boosting supplements, allergen-friendly Foods, gluten- and wheat-free foods, infant feeding supplies, infant formulas, low-protein and metabolic products, and thickening products.  Specialty Food Shop is owned and operated by SickKids and all proceeds support patient care.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, the most up-to-date information on our product availability and shipping timelines will be regularly updated our website. Please bookmark this page on www.specialtyfoodshop.ca for the latest updates.

Specialty Food Shop -- reduced hours of operation (until further notice)

• Open Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Closed Saturday until further notice.
• Closed Sunday and statutory holidays as usual.

Store
416-813-5294 or 1-800-737-7976

Manager
416-813-8074
 

Tim Hortons
Main Floor, Black Wing 

Tim Hortons (Main Floor, Black Wing) is a full-service coffee shop offering hot and cold beverages as well as baked goods including donuts, muffins, cookies, bagels and danishes.

Tim Hortons -- modified hours of operation:

• Open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice
• Open weekends (Saturday and Sunday), 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice

Phone
416-813-8467
 

Starbucks (Atrium)
Main Floor, Atrium

Discover Starbucks (Main Floor, Atrium) fine coffees, soothing teas and special gifts. With exceptional products both hot and cold, we have something to suit your taste. A delicious assortment of treats and snacks are available and arrive fresh daily.

Starbucks (Atrium location) -- modified hours of operation:

• Open Monday to Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. until further notice
• Open weekends (Saturday and Sunday), 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. until further notice.

Manager
416-977-0855
 

Jugo Juice
Main Floor, Atrium

Jugo Juice (Main Floor, Atrium) makes fresh, made-to-order smoothies and tasty wraps. Enjoy one of their 100 per cent fruit smoothies, fresh-pressed juices or energy bars any day of the week.

Jugo Juice -- modified hours of operation: 

• Open Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice.
• Closed on statutory holidays

Manager
416-977-0855

Soup it UP
Main Floor, Black Wing 

Soup It Up (Main Floor, Black Wing) brings a fashionable high-end style to healthy, low-fat cuisine. A variety of specialty soups, sandwiches, salads and more are available for you to choose from.

Soup it UP -- modified hours of operation:

• Open Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. until further notice.
• Closed weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and statutory holidays

Manager
416-593-2622

Terrace Catering

Terrace Catering offers food and beverage services for all occasions. Visit the Terrace Catering website for details on how to order.

U-Naru Sushi
Main Floor, Atrium 

Located in the Atrium, U-Naru Sushi offers sushi made fresh onsite.

U-Naru Sushi -- modified hours of operation:

• Open Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.
• Closed weekends and statutory holidays until further notice.

Subway
Main Floor, Atrium

Subway -- modified hours of operation:

• Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.

Jimmy the Greek
Main Floor, Black Wing

Jimmy the Greek -- modified hours of operation:

• Open Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice
• Open Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice
• Closed Sunday until further notice

College Optical
Main Floor, Black Wing

College Optical (Main Floor, Black Wing) offers a wide selection of quality eyewear, contact lenses and accessories specializing in children’s eyewear. All SickKids families and staff receive a 25 per cent discount on regular-priced glasses and sunglasses.

College Optical -- modified hours of operation:

• Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Closed weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and statutory holidays as usual.

Sheldon Donsky or Perry Silver
416-813-7654 ext. 4884

Gateway Newstands
Main Floor, Black Wing

Gateway Newstands (Main Floor, Black Wing)  offers toys, candy, snacks, beverages, ice cream, magazines, children’s comic books, greeting cards, gift bags and paper, phone cards, cell phone accessories and OLG lottery products.

Gateway Newstands -- modified hours of operation:

• Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Store
416-599-0003
 

Gems by Jael
Main Floor, Black Wing

Gems by Jael offers sterling silver jewelry, 14- and 18-karat gold, precious and semi-precious gemstones and pearls.

Gems by Jael -- modified hours of operation:

• Temporarily closed until further notice. 

Phone: 416-979-2882

Store email

Vendor Tables at SickKids

These retail kiosks are temporarily closed until further notice. Our vendor tables are typically located on Main Street across from the Specialty Food Shop. For information on vendor opportunities, email vendor.tables@sickkids.ca.

Vendor Tables -- modified hours of operation:

• Temporarily closed until further notice.

The 5Fifty5 Shop
Main Floor, Atrium

The Women's Auxiliary raises funds through sales in the 5Fifty5 Shop, a gift shop with appeal for all ages. Find toys, games, books, crafts, cards, magazines and SickKids memorabilia. Staffed and managed entirely by Women's Auxiliary volunteers. All proceeds benefit SickKids patients and their families.

The 5Fifty5 Shop -- modified hours of operation: 

• Temporarily closed until further notice.

Store
416-813-8555

Located at the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGCRL)

FreshWest Grill and Fast Fresh Foods (PGCRL location)

Have your own burrito or southwest salad made to order in front of you. Fast Fresh Foods offers gourmet sandwiches and salads made to order with a variety of meat, cheese and fresh vegetables.
Located at the street level of the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning. Patio is now open; distancing measures are in place.

• Open Monday to Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Open Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Bagel Stop (PGCRL location)

Located at the Bay Street level of the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Bagel Stop offers variety of hot and cold beverages, sandwiches and soups
Modified hours of operation:

• Open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Starbucks (PGCRL location)  

• Open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Open weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bank machines

Machines are located:

• near the Main Information Desk
• across from Specialty Food Shop
• at The Terrace Café entrance
• near Tim Hortons
  

Your safety is our number one priority at SickKids. Due to COVID-19, we have made changes to some of our processes and services for patients and families staying at SickKids. Please review the full Staying at SickKids page and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information page for the latest updates on what you need to know before coming to the hospital.

If you need help at any time while you are in the hospital, you can ask someone at the Information Desk on the main floor in the Atrium (the new part of the hospital) or you can ask any of our staff.

What to bring:

• your child’s Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card
• other health insurance information or drug card
• your child’s pre-admission form
• any medicines your child is taking
• medical information, such as an X-ray, CT scan or vaccination record
• family doctor’s name and telephone number
• information about drug reactions or food allergies
• if you are separated or divorced, bring along any legal papers that show who has custody of your child and who can make decisions about your child’s care 
• an immigration record, if your child was born outside of Canada

Things to bring from home:

• your child’s own clothes, including non-skid footwear and clothes for going home
• a few favourite toys, books, family pictures or a pillow to remind your child of home
• toiletries, like toothpaste, toothbrush, brush, comb, shampoo and soap
• any important medical aids such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, braces or crutches
• disposable diapers, diaper bag and a stroller
• lip balm for dry lips
• if you are staying with your child, a blanket, pillow and any clothing or personal items you will need for yourself

Remember to put your name on all personal items you bring.

Do not bring:

• latex balloons
• baby walkers
• small toys that can be swallowed
• toys that make sparks
• food with nuts
• fresh flowers or plants
• valuable items

The following accommodation lists are provided for families to easily find places to stay overnight close to the hospital. There are two lists; one has short term accommodation options (Hotels) and the other has longer term accommodation options (furnished apartments). Most of the hotels on the list do provide patient rates, so please bring proof of appointment with you in order for them to honor those rates. 

To find out exact pricing, and to book a reservation, please contact the hotel directly. 

Short-term accommodation list

Long-term accommodation list

*Please note; these are limited lists and there are many other options throughout Toronto. Listed hotels were chosen due to proximity to hospital and discounts provided to families at SickKids.

For more information about Toronto, call 416-392-CITY (2489) or visit www.toronto.ca.

Ronald McDonald House Toronto

Ronald McDonald House is available for eligible families, with children being treated for critical illness, for accommodation needs. 

Please visit their website at http://www.rmhtoronto.org/ or call 416-977-0458 for more information on eligibility criteria and steps to apply.

Inpatient room parent beds

In most unit rooms, there is a bed in the room for one parent to use. This is free and allows a parent to care for and comfort their child. If the other parent/family members require accommodations, they should make their own arrangements at local hotels.

If you have concerns about finances

The Resource Navigation Program is available to assist families find and utilize resources available to them. The Resource Navigation Program is supervised by the Social Work Department at SickKids.

If you would like to make an appointment, or have any questions about resources you may email the Family Resource Coordinator at resource.navigation@sickkids.ca or call 416-813-6805.

Sometimes government programs or service clubs, such as the Rotary Club, Lions Club or Easter Seals, will help families pay for things while their child is in hospital. Before you come to the hospital, ask your local community if it can help.