There are many healthcare professionals with special skills who will care for your child while they are in the hospital, such as doctors and nurses.
Other health professionals
There are many other types of people that you may meet while in the hospital:
Child Life Specialist
A child life specialist has training in psychology, child development, and related fields. They help prepare infants, children, and youth for surgery and other medical procedures and support their families. They soothe fears, and help kids and their parents cope with stress through play, education, and self-expression.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists are health and rehabilitation professionals who help people regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent functioning, health, well-being, security, and happiness.
Learn more about an
occupational therapist.
Physiotherapist
A physiotherapist (also called a physical therapist or PT) is a healthcare specialist that helps with movement. They get people moving when they are coping with injury, medical conditions, disease, or aging. Physiotherapists will help people to regain movement, keep their level of movement, prevent injury, and promote fitness, health, and wellness.
Learn more about a
physiotherapist.
Respiratory Therapist
A respiratory therapist (RT) cares for patients with breathing problems. They work with patients with asthma and those on life support who need a ventilator to help them breathe.
Learn more about a
respiratory therapist.
Social Worker
A social worker helps patients and their families better understand and navigate healthcare and other systems that offer resources and services. A clinical social worker will counsel patients and their families to cope with their health situation.
Learn more about a
social worker.
Volunteer
Volunteers are one of a hospital’s most valuable resources. Their time and energy gives a huge amount of support to our busy staff. They add extra care to the quality healthcare that patients and residents get at the hospital.
Learn more about a
volunteer.
Unit Clerk
Unit clerks help manage a hospital nursing unit and are often the first person patients and their families see on the unit. Unit clerks greet and direct visitors, patients, and staff. They answer and redirect calls, answer questions, and relay messages.
