This toolkit provides recommendations to be fully prepared if you need to take your child to the hospital.
To be fully prepared if you need to take your child to the hospital, we recommend bringing the following:
1
Download a completed letter (Attachment 1 on the Toolkit PDF) to give the health care provider—Use the fillable form to enter your details, and print it in your Chart. You can ask the hospital staff to write in your child’s medical chart that you are a support person for them.
2
A copy of your child’s identity (MSP or any other BC ID card)—This helps identify that your child is a resident of BC and entitled to receive services at the healthcare facility.
3
Proof of custody, where necessary (Adoption/ Birth certificates etc.)—This is relevant in cases where the custody of your child is shared as it helps prove that you have legal authority to speak for the child during specific situations.
4
Communication devices—Bring your child’s communication kit, including all devices, chargers, and communication boards your child might need. Keep them close.
5
Notes from doctors/therapists—Bring a note from your child’s family doctor; behaviour consultant; other therapists (physiotherapist, occupational therapist etc.). Feeding consultant, as needed if there are any special circumstances that the health care provider needs to know
6
Patient Accommodations Request Form (Attachment 2 on the Toolkit PDF)—Complete the attached one-page form with your child’s needs and preferences as soon as possible. If they need to be treated, bring two copies (laminated, if possible). If you don’t have access to a printer, send to your health care provider.
7
A copy of the recently updated COVID-19 Essential Visitors Policy (113 KB) – Attachment 3 on the Toolkit PDF
You may want to know
1
Support people may be required to wear a mask or other protective equipment in the hospital or may not be allowed to go to the cafeteria.
2
A copy of your child’s identity (MSP or any other BC ID card)—This helps identify that your child is a resident of BC and entitled to receive services at the healthcare facility.
3
Hospitals may require support people to take a COVID-19 test, fill out a questionnaire, or have their temperatures taken.
Useful Links:
Regional Health Authority websites:
Fraser Health
Vancouver Coastal
Island Health
Interior Health
Northern Health- My Booklet—A FREE online tool that families can use to create a personalized information booklet for a loved one – to avoid repeating your “story” to doctors, nurses, therapists etc.
Developed by an amazing team of people with disabilities and their families, with the support of:
Family Support Institute of BC
Disability Alliance BC
Vela Canada
Individualized Funding Resource Centre
Health Justice
BC Social Service Leadership Network
Social Advocate Leadership Network BC
Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network
Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion
Canadian Institute for Inclusion & Citizenship, UBC
