Hospital and Community Happenings

Check out what is happening across the region with our hospital and community partners. Check back frequently as we keep you up to date with the latest news. 

Partners for Life

www.blood.ca/partnersforlife
June 2011. Childcan has joined Canadian Blood Services as a "Partner for Life".

Canadian Blood Services is proud to work with hundreds of corporations and community organizations nationwide each year in support of our "Partners for Life" program. As members of this lifesaving program, companies, government agencies, community groups, schools, service clubs, faith organizations and many others demonstrate their commitment to saving lives through donating blood, platelets and plasma. You can do your part by signing up as a Childcan member and donating today.

Visit their website, and click "Join Partners for Life" Our Partner ID is CHIL012000

Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre

Dear Families,

We are writing to let you know about a new service at Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, offering therapeutic bereavement groups to siblings of children who experienced the loss of a brother or sister. The groups are designed age appropriate and will be offered annually and held for 10 consecutive weeks.  We are currently accepting referrals from families who have experienced the loss of a child within the last 3 years. The siblings must be between the ages of 5 and 17 years.

Please contact (519) 685-8144 if you would like information that is more detailed.  You will find more information on the hospital website. Families (legal guardian to the child participating) are asked to contact Psychology service via phone or email to begin the registration process.

Warm Regards,
Dr. Danielle Cataudella, Clinical Psychologist
Lisa Hawthornthwaite, Child Life Specialist
Co-Facilitators, Children and Youth Bereavement Groups
Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre
www.chwo.org (enter-programs-additional programs-psychology-interventions)

New Hospital Wide Policy – Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre

February 2007 marked the start of a new hospital wide policy allowing patients to discuss the possibility of incorporating complimentary therapies in to their treatment protocol. The new policy allows for open dialogue between doctors, health care professionals, patients and families.

Should you be interested in learning about this new policy and the process, speak with your physician or one of the health care professionals in charge of your care.

Complimentary Care

Carole Wray – Holistic Therapies

WCarole has been practicing holistic health therapies since 1994. Her studies originated in Social Work and have evolved to include Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Reflexology, Touch for Health and Meditation. As a Reiki Master/Teacher and Practitioner, she cultivates her skill and understanding through continuous training and personal development. 

Carole has gained experience in treating chronic pain, heart conditions, cancer, headaches, fractures, burns, and various stress related illnesses. Her natural caring and compassion adds much to her ability as a Practitioner and Teacher, and her openness creates warm and accepting atmosphere for others to learn and grow.

Carole has been offering complimentary services one day a week for 3-4 hours, since June of 2007 to children receiving in-patient care, 7th floor Paediatric Oncology unit, Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, whose families feel they would benefit from Carol’s services.  If time allows Carole would be willing to work with parents to provide complimentary services during her weekly visits.

Carole has had the opportunity to work with several of the Paediatric Oncology families and one child and family as part of end of life care.  Carole felt honoured to be able to work with the child and family to be able to assist with providing further comfort over and above traditional treatment.

If you are interested in learning more about Carole and her services please contact her at 519-668-0272 or visit her website at www.wray-ki.com.

New Recognition For Children At The End Of Active Treatment

Childcan, the Optimist Clubs of London, and the Optimist International Foundation have collaborated to support a new initiative at Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre.  The Super Star program acknowledges paediatric oncology patients at the completion of their active treatment.

The Optimist Clubs are serious about "Bringing Out the Best in Kids" and do their part through community service programs.  Since each Club is autonomous and is run by members in their community, Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their community in any way they see fit.  Optimist Clubs see a need in their community and react to it.

Participating London Optimist Clubs: London Inc. (Downtown) London-Nor’West London-Carling Heights London-River East London-East London-Stoney Ridge London-Fanshawe London-Middlesex London-North

Childcan Quiet Room, Makes A Move – Windsor

We welcome families to stop by and enjoy the Childcan family lounge in its new location.

The room is closer to the inpatient and outpatient action on the Paediatric Oncology floor at Windsor Regional Hospital, Met Campus. The lounge still provides a relaxing atmosphere filled with comfortable chairs, couch, a library of resources, and a computer station to stay in touch, while away from home. We hope you have an opportunity to sit and take a few minutes to put your feet up.

Other Monthly Support Groups

Kichener Ontario - To Participate call Hope Springs - 519-742-HOPE (4673)