Dr. Bear Program

The Dr. Bear Program is designed to provide psychological preparation and support to reduce the stress associated with hospitalization and surgery for children.

Children betweent ages four to twelve attend Dr. Bear's Surgical Preadmission Program. In keeping with our family-centred care philosophy, it involves both children and their parents.

The Dr. Bear Preadmission Program provides an opportunity for parents and children to identify and express feelings through hands-on exploration of commonly used medical equipment, and a tour of the operating and recovery rooms. Hospital clinical staff are in attendance to meet the children, answer questions and address concerns associated with surgery.

To register, please call your child's Surgeon's office.

Visiting or Accompanying Patients:

In order to focus individual attention on children having surgery, we are unable to invite siblings to the Dr. Bear Program. However, both parents are welcome to accompany their child.

Hours of Operation:

In the Auditorium on Wednesday evenings (must be pre-registered to attend):
4:30 p.m. for Surgical Assessment
5:00 p.m. for a tou

What Should You Know?

In order to focus individual attention on children having surgery, we are unable to invite siblings to the Dr. Bear Program. However, both parents are welcome to accompany their child.

In the event your child experiences some behaviour difficulties after surgery, please contact our Child Life Specialist at 905.472.7000 ext 6408.

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