Children coming into the Emergency Department can experience pain from an illness, injury or from hospital procedures or treatments. One of the techniques that can decrease pain and anxiety for children is distraction. The Child Life team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre has created kits that contain toys and other small items to engage and distract children in the Emergency Department to help them cope with pain and anxiety during their stay. The kits can be used by a nurse or any other staff member that thinks a child requires a little bit of extra TLC to effectively cope. These kits can help with overall hospital experience and positively benefit recovery too.

Kits were provided during the month of March in recognition of Child Life Month. Remember that Child Life Specialists are available Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to provide coping support when needed in the Emergency Department. Staff can page Child Life Specialists at 626-8654 (Mandi) and 624-4678 (Brittany) to request support.