Isabelle and her mom, Carolyn, are grateful for the Child Life Program at �������. “Please don’t ever get rid of the Child Life Program!” said Carolyn. “Having that additional support made a huge difference. We’re forever grateful for the whole Child Life Program team!”

When children face medical procedures, the experience can often be overwhelming and frightening for both the young patients and their families. However, for Isabelle and her mother Carolyn, their recent visit to ������� was anything but daunting. Thanks to the exceptional Child Life Program and the compassionate staff, their journey turned into a reassuring and even uplifting experience.��

Isabelle had been experiencing discomfort due to a hernia that surfaced. After consultations and an ultrasound that was unable to source the root cause, their family doctor referred them to SickKids Hospital, a partner of �������. SickKids then referred Isabelle to Humber’s Child Life Program: a start-to-finish program that makes sure parents feel informed and empowered during surgery, while their kids feel comfortable and safe throughout their procedure.��

On the day of her surgery, Isabelle was understandably nervous. When recalling the ride to the hospital, she admitted, “I was a tiny bit scared.” Concerns about waking up during surgery or feeling pain are common fears for children. But that’s where the Child Life Program stepped in.��

Isabelle was warmly greeted by Alex, a Child Life Specialist at �������. She introduced Isabelle to , an interactive robot which the Child Life Program uses to decrease patient anxiety, increase their comfort and educate young patients and their families. Through engaging activities, Alex and Pepper demystified the medical process for Isabelle.��

Isabelle was introduced to Pepper, an interactive robot which the Child Life Program uses to decrease patient anxiety, increase their comfort and educate young patients and their families. Through engaging activities, Pepper and the Child life Program team demystify the medical process.

Isabelle recalled, “Alex and Pepper showed me what my IV would look like on me.” Alex also helped Isabelle overcome her fear of needles and had Pepper show her how to use the anaesthesia mask. Isabelle was even allowed to choose a flavour for her anaesthesia mask. “It was strawberry!” she said with a smile.��

Carolyn was deeply appreciative of the support received throughout their time in the Child Life Program. “Having someone like Alex made a huge difference,” she said. “I couldn’t imagine going through any other procedure without someone like her.”��

Isabelle had the option to choose how she would enter her surgical room. The Child Life Program offers many fun ways for patients to enter their room before surgery. There are bikes, wagons, a mini Tesla, and even a miniature Zamboni! Empowered by the support she received, Isabelle confidently chose to walk.��

In the operating room, her mother was allowed to stay with her until she fell asleep, providing additional comfort. Isabelle remembered, “She covered my ears” while Carolyn added, “I think I gave you a big hug and you fell asleep in my arms while I was hugging you.”��

The Child Life Program offers many fun ways for patients to enter their room before surgery. There are bikes, wagons, a mini Tesla, and even a miniture Zamboni!

For Carolyn, this was a stark contrast to previous medical experiences Isabelle had gone through. “It’s night and day,” she explained. “At other hospitals, we didn’t know what to expect. No one really explained the procedures, and it was rather traumatizing. But at Humber, knowing exactly what’s going to happen to your child is incredibly reassuring.”��

When Isabelle woke up after her surgery, the first person she saw was her mother. The recovery room was a place of comfort rather than fear. Upon being released from the Hospital, Isabelle remembered, “I took a popsicle. I think I even took two popsicles!”��

As they were leaving, Isabelle surprised her mother by expressing a desire to return—not because she needed more medical attention, but because the experience was so positive.��

Both Isabelle and Carolyn are grateful for the Child Life Program at �������. “Please don’t ever get rid of the Child Life Program!” said Carolyn. “Having that additional support made a huge difference. We’re forever grateful for Alex and for the whole Child Life Program team.”��

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The official unveiling of Smilezone took place this past fall after initial plans were temporarily halted by the unfolding pandemic.

The official unveiling of Smilezone—an uplifting space for paediatric surgical care, brought to life through a special partnership with the and the —took place this past fall after initial plans were temporarily halted by the unfolding pandemic.

Located on the second floor within the Paediatric Day Surgery Clinic, Smilezone has transformed the post-surgery recovery space into a haven of joy, filled with interactive toys, a touch screen table, and even a mini Zamboni for Humber’s Child Life Program for paediatric patients to ride into surgery, creating a comforting environment for paediatric patients and their families.

This new space reflects the dedication of the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Association and Smilezone to nurture the well-being of young patients within our community.

“It has made such a positive impact for our paediatric patients & their families with this new child-friendly environment!” says Alexandra Christofides, Child Life Specialist at �������.

Smilezone goes beyond being a physical space; it reflects the dedication of the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Association and the Smilezone Foundation to nurture the well-being of young patients within our community.

Adding Smilezone to the Paediatric Day Surgery Clinic helps to reduce the stress of the patients, decreases their anxiety, and increases their comfort, encouraging an overall fun & positive hospital experience for a speedy recovery.

“It has made such a positive impact for our paediatric patients & their families with this new child-friendly environment!” says Alexandra Christofides, Child Life Specialist at �������.

“The area is a source of joy for children and parents alike! Our son, Seth, who has autism, found solace in the surroundings. Profound thanks to Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni and Smilezone.” says parents of twelve year-old Seth.

Smilezone’s commitment to Humber extends beyond the second floor, with plans to enhance another area within the Hospital in the coming future. This ongoing support, fueled by the generosity of the Smilezone Foundation, ensures a promise of continuous smiles and healing for the children at �������.

“A million thank you’s to Toronto Maple Leaf Alumni & Smilezone for creating such an incredibly amazing area for our paediatric post-surgery patients!” says Alexandra.

You can watch Humber’s CTV News Smilezone feature !

The post Bringing Smiles to Paediatrics with Smilezone Foundation and Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Association appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Dr. Sally Kenawy is a general Paediatrician and has been at Humber River Hospital since 2015.

Tell me about yourself!

Hi, I’m Dr. Sally Kenawy and I’m a general paediatrician. I’ve been here at Humber since August 2015.

How would you explain your job to a friend?

As a general paediatrician, I take care of children in many different ways. I’m there from prenatal consultations for mothers with known complications, during labour and delivery, to providing newborn care. I also consult in the emergency department and take care of the paediatric ward and NICU just to name a few things. Wearing so many different hats keeps me on my toes!

What makes you proud of the Paediatrics Program at Humber?

I am most proud of the NICU. It’s my favourite because it’s where I can build a stronger connection with the baby and the parents. In other parts of my job, I see kids for an hour or maybe a couple of days, but the babies in the NICU can be there for weeks at a time as they grow stronger. It’s very rewarding for me to see the progress the babies make and to build relationships with the families.

Humber is on a mission to upgrade our NICU from a Level 2B to a Level 2C. Why is this upgrade important to the community?

Once we transition to a Level 2C, it will expand our ability to take care of much younger and sicker babies. At this level, we will have ventilators to allow us to care for babies as young as 30 weeks. Right now our care is for babies 32 weeks and older.

When we can take care of younger babies, it also means we can take care of more families in our community and improve access to healthcare. The babies will be closer to home and closer to their parents. Right now, any families with babies under 32 weeks would have to travel much further to see their baby while they are in the NICU. I think it’s very important that everyone has access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live in the city.

“When we can take care of younger babies, it also means we can take care of more families in our community and improve access to healthcare. The babies will be closer to home and closer to their parents. Right now, any families with babies under 32 weeks would have to travel much further to see their baby while they are in the NICU. I think it’s very important that everyone has access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live in the city.”

How is technology being used in Paediatrics at Humber?

We have the ability to use video laryngoscopy which allows us to see the trachea and the airways during intubation. As you can imagine, newborns have very tiny tracheas, which makes intubation more difficult. Having the video component makes it much easier and safer while we are doing the procedure.

How has COVID-19 impacted the Program?

A big impact were the restrictions COVID put on the number of visitors allowed at a time with a patient. In paediatrics, all of our patients are young. Imagine being able to have only one person visit you? You could really see the toll this took on patients and their families. Now the visitor policy is more relaxed and patients can have two support people with them at a time.

Another way COVID has impacted the program is the types of illnesses we see. Mental health concerns have really skyrocketed in children and youth during the past 18 months.

What do you love about your job?

When Dr. Kenawy isn’t on duty, you could find her and her family competing on Family Feud Canada. “The episode just aired and it was so much fun!”

I love the kids. We all have days when we wake up and don’t want to go to work. But when I have those days and I get to work and see my patients, they bring me so much joy. They’re fun and it’s fun to help them. You immediately see them feel better which is very rewarding.

What is one awesome thing you’ve done in the last year?

I was on Family Feud Canada. The episode just aired and it was so much fun!

What inspires you?

Seeing families go home happy after an experience at Humber. Being able to attend the delivery and take care of the baby after it’s born or being in the NICU for an extended amount of time, I see so much gratitude from the families. This inspires me every day.

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“Our goal with the new Complex GI-Surgery Clinic is that paediatric patients needing GI surgery will be able to have all of their consults with GI, Surgery, and Nursing Dieticians at one time,” says Dr. Lara Hart, pictured with two young patients pre-pandemic.

In a new partnership with SickKids, Humber River Hospital has become the only community hospital in Ontario to offer a Complex Gastrointestinal (GI)-Surgery Clinic for its young patients. Dr. Sharifa Himidan, a SickKids surgeon and the Director of Community Paediatric Surgery, and Dr. Lara Hart, a Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Humber River Hospital, worked together to launch this multidisciplinary clinic as a one-stop shop for their patients.

“Surgery and GI work together for so many conditions, so when Dr. Himidan approached me with the idea, I thought it was great,” says Dr. Hart. “The reality for many of our patients was that I would see them for a GI appointment, and refer them for a surgery consultation on a different day. It’s a lot of appointments. Our goal with this new clinic is that paediatric patients needing GI surgery will be able to have all of their consults with GI, Surgery, and Nursing Dieticians at one time.”

“The community needs it,” says Dr. Himidan. “Humber River Hospital’s catchment area has a large population of children with conditions such as Crohn’s who may require surgery so they can start medical treatment safely, and now we can offer them this service close to home, and get them the treatments that they need more quickly.”

“I am proud to be launching this new clinic with Dr. Hart because it is a living testament to our shared belief that children should have the best care closest to their homes,” says Dr. Sharifa Himidan, pictured with a patient pre-pandemic.

The new Complex GI-Surgery Clinic will serve children with GI conditions that likely require surgery, including kids with complex Crohn’s, Perianal Crohn’s, anal rectal malformation, and complex constipation. Dr. Hart and Dr. Himidan ran their first trial day in December 2020, where four young patients were given the opportunity to have their multi-disciplinary consultations happen all in one day.

“It was a fantastic pilot,” says Dr. Himidan. “For three of the kids we were able to provide the interventions they needed during a short stay at the Hospital. One had surgery. The best part is that they did not have to wait in pain for months – we were able to start their treatment plans right away.”

While the clinic has been largely on hold during the third wave of COVID-19, the team is planning for their next clinic day once elective paediatric care can safely resume.

“Having this option for our patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases is amazing,” says Dr. Hart. “Their treatment requires collaboration, so this allows us to provide complete care including surgical and medical management, together.”

“I am proud to be launching this new clinic with Dr. Hart because it is a living testament to our shared belief that children should have the best care closest to their homes,” says Dr. Himidan. “Our partnership with Humber River Hospital has made this possible.”

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I’m Dr. Tania Samanta, and I’ve been a Paediatric Respirologist at Humber River Hospital since 2009.

In one sentence, how would you explain your job to a friend?

I’m a lung specialist for kids, so I help with breathing problems.

“It makes me so happy when parents tell me their child was actually excited to come back to see us,” says Dr. Samanta. “We can only provide the best care when patients are comfortable with our team.”

What makes you proud of how children are cared for at Humber?

Everyone on the Paediatric Outpatient team is very dedicated to the care of children and making the whole patient experience child-friendly – from our front desk staff, to the nurses, to the respiratory therapists I work with, to the dieticians.

It makes me so happy when parents tell me their child was actually excited to come back to see us. So, in addition to the medical care we provide, I’m proud that many of our young patients look forward to coming here. We can only provide the best care when patients are comfortable with our team.

Tell us about the interesting technology you work with.

I get to use a spirometer, a little hand-held device that plugs into the computer. I ask the kids to take a deep breath and blow very hard into the machine, and it gives me an objective measure of their lung function at the point of care, right here in the clinic. It’s very precise and can detect things we can’t necessarily detect with a stethoscope.

For example, if we were testing the effectiveness of a puffer, I would have my patient blow into the spirometer before and after using it and we could observe any changes right away, objectively, without them having to go to the lab downstairs.

What is one awesome thing you’ve done in the last year?

We took our kids to see Frozen on Broadway! I loved watching the pure joy on their faces.

“I love when they ask questions and come at me with something unexpected, because it refreshes my outlook,” says Dr. Samanta.

What inspires you?

My kids.

My patients.

That mix of innocence, resiliency, curiosity, and pure love of life.

I had a patient the other day who asked me why I listen with my stethoscope at the front and the back, so we talked about the lungs. I love when they ask questions and come at me with something unexpected, because it refreshes my outlook.

The post Interview: Dr. Tania Samanta, Paediatric Respirologist appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

My name is Lara Hart. I’m a paediatric gastroenterologist with niche expertise in education and in managing patients with Crohn’s and colitis.

How would you explain your job to a friend?

I’m a kids tummy doctor. I talk to kids about anything from stomach aches to what their poops look like. I do gastroscopies and colonoscopies looking for conditions such as celiac disease, inflammation, polyps or allergic disease of the food pipe.

“My patients inspire me.” says Dr. Hart, pictured with two of her young patients.

What is the best part about your work?

I love that I can help treat a child’s condition and make them feel better. I can even objectively re-check their colon and see that their diseases are under good control and everything is healed.

What are the most interesting technologies at Humber?

While not exactly a technology, having a state-of-the-art endoscopy suite at Humber is amazing. It allows me to provide the best care for my patients who are undergoing gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

What inspires you?

My patients inspire me. In my role, I often have to give children the news that they have a lifelong condition and I am always amazed by how resilient they are and how well they are able to handle the situation.

What is one awesome thing you’ve done in the last year?

I would say that developing the Paediatric GI program at Humber River is the awesome thing that I’ve done (as it didn’t exist before). I am able to provide patients with excellent and thorough care, as I have access to the necessary tests, procedures and allied healthcare team members that allow me to manage their conditions.

The post Interview: Dr. Lara Hart, Paediatric Gastroenterologist appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

“Dr. Hart happened to be on call and was doing rounds,” remembers Matteo’s mother Vanessa.

“I’m not sure how you thank someone for saving your children from future illness,” says Vanessa. “Dr. Hart’s assessment changed the trajectory of both our sons’ health.”

They began discussing Matteo’s symptoms as well as his overall heath. While Matteo was generally healthy, Paediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. Lara Hart found it noteworthy that he was having frequent bowel movements each day. She suggested doing some bloodwork to rule out Celiac Disease.

“I didn’t think much would come from the testing,” says Vanessa. “Matteo was largely asymptomatic.”

When they saw Dr. Hart a few weeks later for follow up, they were shocked to learn that Matteo had ten times the normal level for a marker of Celiac Disease.

After an endoscopy with Dr. Hart’s colleague Dr. Liquornik, Matteo was officially diagnosed with Celiac Disease in July 2018.

“I was afraid for what that meant for him, but I was relieved we got a diagnosis while he was still young,” says Vanessa. “The diagnosis also meant that our older son Giuliano would also need to be screened for the disease.”

Giuliano was ten and incredibly apprehensive about having an endoscopy done, but Dr. Hart was warm and honest about what was involved (she even gave Giuliano pictures from the procedure!). Like his brother, he was diagnosed with Celiac Disease after his endoscopy in the fall of 2019.

“I am always amazed by how resilient my young patients are, even when they get difficult news,” says Dr. Hart, pictured with Matteo and Giuliano

Both boys have grown since their diagnosis when they started avoiding gluten. Vanessa has noticed that their immune systems seem stronger and that they both have more energy – especially Matteo.

“Dr. Hart’s assessment changed the trajectory of both our sons’ health,” says Vanessa. “I’m not sure how you thank someone for saving your children from future illness and all the potential complications of undiagnosed Celiac Disease. I am so grateful.”

Dr. Hart will continue to monitor the boys’ progress for years to come as part of the Paediatric GI Program she developed at Humber River Hospital.

“I am always amazed by how resilient my young patients are, even when they get difficult news,” says Dr. Hart. “I love that I can help treat their condition and make them feel better.”

“There is no limit to what we would do for our children,” says Vanessa. “Dr. Hart has shown us the same commitment to our family and I will be forever grateful for her consideration, expertise, and attention to detail.”

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“The best part of my work is the patients. The kids always make me laugh and smile even on the toughest of days.”

My name is Graham Black and I am a Paediatrician at Humber River Hospital. I was born and raised in Toronto. I lived abroad in both Scotland and England for a few years before returning to complete my residency here.

How would you describe your job to a friend?

I’d describe it as the best job in the world! I get to hang out with kids all day, cuddle with babies, and help kids get better. Seeing a kid that was very sick one day now playing and running around the next is a great feeling.

What are the most interesting technologies at Humber?

The Interpretation Services technology we have on iPads is great as well. It makes it significantly easier compared to the past to communicate in any language in a timely fashion.

What is one thing you’ve done in the last year that you are proud of?

A team of us resuscitated a 24 week premature baby in the ER and then in the NICU before they were transferred to SickKids. It was an experience that was both humbling and amazing.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by families who have received a difficult diagnosis but continue to stay positive and appreciative of their care team. It is never needed or expected but it’s very moving to hear a child and family say thank you when you have been a part of one of the most difficult days of their lives.

What is the best part about your work?

The patients. The kids always make me laugh and smile even on the toughest of days.

Are you a grateful patient of Dr. Black’s? If you need a way to express exactly how thankful you are, consider showing your appreciation with a Gift of Gratitude. Dr. Black will be recognized with a special pin and personalized card from you, and your donation will help future patients at Humber River Hospital receive great care.

The post Interview: Dr. Graham Black, Paediatrician appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

At Humber, parents can enter the operating room and are given an active role in comforting and coaching their kids during their anaesthetic.

In 2018, Humber River Hospital and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) solidified a partnership allowing SickKids general surgeons to operate in Humber’s state-of-the-art operating rooms. Currently, nine (soon to be ten) SickKids surgeons use the ORs at Humber.

This agreement extends way beyond operating privileges: It is a full partnership. When a SickKids patient has surgery at Humber River Hospital, they have access to Humber’s excellent Child Life Program. Our Child Life Specialists show and teach kids and parents exactly what will happen at every stage of their surgery journey using a medical teaching kit, the kids can practice putting an anaesthesia mask on Pepper the robot, and many kids even choose to ! Once inside the operating room, the parent is given an active role in comforting and coaching their kids during their anaestethic. Our Child Life Specialists make sure that parents are completely supported and prepared for what to expect in the operating room, so that even once the anaesthesia starts to take effect, everyone in the room feels prepared.

“Humber River Hospital is a welcoming community and families can feel that,” says Dr. Himidan (right), pictured before an operation with her young patient and his father.

“Parents appreciate that they can come into the operating room,” says Dr. Sharifa Himidan, a SickKids surgeon and the Director of Community Paediatric Surgery. “And they love that at Humber River Hospital they have their own waiting space.”

The partnership with SickKids has meant that the number of paediatric surgery cases at Humber has increased. In anticipation of the expansion Humber has made changes to patient flow, staff resourcing, and protocol for administering medicine, requiring collaboration throughout the Surgery Program.

Anaesthesiologist Dr. JD Cyr and Chief of Anaesthesia Dr. Steven Bernstein, led a review and systems change of the medical directives for paediatric patients in Humber’s surgical program.

“I’m very passionate about working with children,” says Dr. Cyr. “Children require an extra level of care, which the Humber team is well equipped to provide.”

“Children require an extra level of care, which the Humber team is well equipped to provide,” says anaesthesiologist Dr. JD Cyr.

Families in our area can now access paediatric surgery closer to home, and families have shorter wait times for general surgery.

“Humber River Hospital is a welcoming community and families can feel that,” says Dr. Himidan. “As surgeons, our duty is to serve that community.”

By offering paediatric general surgery to our community, this partnership is strengthening Humber’s position as a leader in surgical care in Toronto.

“Dr. Himidan and her team bring decades of experience and best-in-class expertise to our Hospital,” says Dr. Hagen, Chief of Surgery at Humber River Hospital. “We’re very excited to expand our general surgery program by attracting the best talent in paediatric general surgery.”

The post General Surgery Team Welcomes SickKids Surgeons to Humber’s ORs in New Partnership appeared first on Hennick Humber Hospital Foundation.

Sometimes by the time they returned home, Kylee would have another asthma attack and they would have to turn around and return to Humber. Pictured: Natasha, Kylee, and Kylee’s big sister.

Kylee was only 8 months old when during one of her visits to Humber’s Emergency Department she was diagnosed with severe asthma. She also had several allergies, most of which exacerbated her asthma.

Their Emergency visits were frequent. Sometimes by the time they left the Hospital and returned home, Kylee would have another asthma attack and they would have to turn around and return to Humber. Sometimes sensing a second asthma attack, Natasha would stay at the Hospital and walk the hallways with Kylee until it happened and they would return to the ER.

In the 5 years since she was born (a Humber baby at the Finch site), the staff and physicians at Humber River Hospital have become like family; a village that have helped keep Kylee well. She has grown especially close to her nurses, her paediatric respirologist Dr. Tania Samanta, her paediatrician Dr. Jay Dahman, and Mary Magni a clerical associate in the Paediatric Outpatient Clinic.

Kylee can be completely healthy one minute, and in an emergency medical situation the next. In the beginning, Natasha was constantly worried. Now, she knows that at Humber people will look after her.

“Sometimes when we were at the Hospital the staff would tell me to go take a walk, get some fresh air, and have a minute to myself,” says Natasha. “I can relax knowing that Kylee is in good hands here.”

Dr. Tania Samanta checks Kylee’s lungs, while they wear matching tutus. Dr. Samanta was instrumental in getting Kylee approved for the highly specialized medication that allows her to live her life.

Dr. Samanta gave Natasha a letter that she can use in the Apotex Emergency Department, emphasizing the urgency of Kylee’s situation and instructing the healthcare team with what medicines to use. It has helped Natasha be an even better advocate for her daughter’s care.

Kylee is now on a new, highly specialized medication that helps her manage her asthma, and comes to the Hospital every other week for a shot. This medication has reduced the number of Kylee’s ER visits, and has also reduced the number of daily medicines she has to take, improving her quality of life in more ways than one.

Her care team has also worked with her school to help limit Kylee’s exposure to allergins and other triggers for her asthma attacks.

“The medication we can give Kylee means she doesn’t have to live at the Hospital,” says Dr. Dahman. “She can be a kid.”

“It has been amazing to be part of Kylee’s journey,” says Dr. Samanta. “Kylee’s mom Natasha is her biggest champion. She is always there for her. Nothing stands in their way.”

“I can relax knowing that Kylee is in good hands here,” says Natasha. Pictured: Kylee and three of her nurses, Rachael, Kresta, and Bobbak.

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