Patient & Family Guide

Alberta Children's Hospital

Accessibility

Wheelchairs
Public wheelchairs are located at the main entrance and parkade entrance to the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Wheelchairs must be returned to the entrances when leaving the hospital

Accessibility Friendly Features
A number of washrooms, elevators, doorways, and designated disabled parking spaces are wheelchair accessible. Bariatric wheelchairs may need to request assistance to access some locations.

Amenities

Breastfeeding/Pumping Room
There are designated breastfeeding rooms located in the hospital. They are located on the 2nd floor, east of elevators next to physician's lounge. These rooms are accessible Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For more information, visit the Family and Community Resource Centre on the 2nd floor at the top of the stairwell.

Showers
Available in the staff washrooms on every floor in the hallway behind the main elevator bank. They are available for public use, 24-hours a day.

Bank Machines
There is a 24-hour Royal Bank cash machine located near the Mountainview Cafe. Another machine is near the parking payment machines in the covered hallway leading to the parkade.

Lockers
Available on a first come, first serve basis next to the bank machines by the cafeteria.

Washrooms
The main washrooms are located on every floor next to the main bank of elevators. Other washrooms are located throughout the building. Ask a staff member for directions.

Lost and Found
There is a lost in found in the Protection Services/Security area just beyond the admitting desk on the main level of the hospital.

Protective Services
This team is responsible for the safety of patients, staff and visitors. You can also request for a protection services officer to walk you to your car by calling Protective Services.

Help & Support

Child Life Program
Provides programs to help minimize the stress and anxiety for children and their families caused by illness and hospitalization. Learn more

Child's Care Team
There are many healthcare professionals with special skills who will care for your child while he or she is in the hospital. Learn more

Emily's Backyard
Emily's backyard is a play area located just inside the main entrance. Both outpatient and inpatient families may access this free service for patients and siblings of patients. Learn more

Family & Community Resource Centre
The Family and Community Resource Centre (FCRC) is located on the 2nd floor of the hospital at the top of the stairs. The FCRC provide information, support and resources for your child and family. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Located within this Centre is a consumer health library, community resource information, computers for public use, and books for children to borrow while in the hospital. Families are invited to the FCRC for coffee in the mornings, Monday through Friday.

Learn more

Family Support Specialists
Offers support, resources and information to meet the needs of families, service providers and community members. Connect with a Family Support Specialist in the Family and Community Resource Centre, located on the 2nd floor of the Alberta Children's Hospital. Learn more

Grief Support Program
Available to provide ongoing support to families when a child dies. Bereavement support is offered in many ways to fit the unique needs of a family, such as individual, family and group counselling, resources/education and referrals to community agencies. Learn more

Help in Tough Times
At some point in our lives we all face tough times and we can be impacted directly or indirectly by such things as financial pressures or unexpected problems. Learn more

Indigenous Hospital Liaison Services
Provides First Nations (Status and Non-Status), Métis and Inuit peoples and their families with: help feeling comfortable in the hospital, making referrals, support for discharge from the hospital, and talking to healthcare providers about Indigenous culture (e.g. smudging, elder services). Learn more

Mental Health Help Line
Available 24/7, confidential, providing information about mental health programs and services. Learn more

Social Workers
Providing information and education to the patient and family to help support, and connect them with the appropriate resources. Learn more.

Spiritual Care Services
Find spiritual and emotional support during your stay in the hospital. Learn more

The Family Accommodation Centre
Located on the 2nd floor, the Family Accommodation Centre has five sleeping rooms each with a full washroom. It is attached to the Family Centre lounge area where both inpatient and outpatient families can relax, have lunch or play a game. The Family Centre has a TV with an Xbox, books, magazines and games. It also has a fridge, microwave and laundry facilities. To find out more, contact a Family Support Specialist

Out-of-town Visitors

Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta provides a home away from home and support for sick children and their families in a compassionate and comfortable home-like atmosphere. Contact the Family and Community Resource Centre for a referral.

Other Accommodations
For information on local accommodations and special rates for families with children in hospital check with an Alberta Children’s Hospital social worker, or with the Family and Community Resource Centre.

Retail & Food Services

Emily's Window Gift Shop
A hospital boutique that has been serving patients, families, visitors and staff since 1984. This volunteer supported and operated retail business features toys, stuffed animals, gifts, giftware, and fashion accessories for children and adults. All proceeds are used to support patient care and comfort as well as purchase patient focused equipment. Since 1984, the volunteers of Emily's Window have donated over $2.5 million to the Alberta Children's Hospital. Located on the main floor entrance of the Alberta Children's Hospital. Learn more.

Mountainview Cafeteria
Full cafeteria services are available at the Mountainview cafeteria, located on the main floor of the hospital. This open-concept design offers a spectacular view of the foothills and Rocky Mountains. It features a sheltered patio, enclosed by 8-foot glass. The café menu offers a selection of healthy food choices for every meal. The café does not offer peanut products, however some items may not be peanut free. Visa, MasterCard and Debit are accepted as payment. Learn more

Coffee Bar - Starbucks
Available on the 4th floor of the hospital. Learn more.

Good Earth Cafe
Aavailable on the main floor of the hospital just beyond the main entrance. Learn more

Vending Machine
Available beside the entrance to the cafeteria, and in the emergency department on the main level. They offer a selection of beverages, light snacks and frozen foods.

Water Fountain
A water fountain and ice machine is located in the eating area in the main space/cafeteria. It is located on the far side of the area, between the cafeteria, and the windows.

Bringing Food to the Hospital
You may bring food into the hospital for your child after you have checked with a nurse. Ensure the food you bring does not conflict with your child's tests, allergies or dietary restrictions. As there is limited refrigerator space, only bring food for one meal each time.

Quiet Spaces

The Sacred Space
The Sacred Space is located on the 2nd floor of the hospital. This space is a quiet and comfortable place to get away from the stresses of hospital life and allow for rest, meditation and prayer. This space can also be reserved for special religious occasions such as baptism, sweet grass ceremonies, group prayer and meditation.

Family Centre Lounge
The Family Centre lounge is a space where both inpatient and outpatient families can relax, have lunch or play a game. The Family Centre has a TV with an Xbox, books, magazines and board games. It also has a fridge, microwave and laundry facilities. To find out more, contact a Family Support Specialist.

Staying Connected

Family Access Computers
There are four family access computers located at the Family and Community Resource Centre. You will also find computers you can use in the Family Centre, in the Family Rooms on the inpatient units, and in some clinic waiting rooms.

Laptop Lending
Some laptops are available for patient and family use while you are staying in the hospital. Speak to your nurse or Child Life Specialist to request one.

Language Interpretation
Interpreters speaking many different languages are available to assist you through our multicultural program. The staff on your unit can make the necessary arrangements.

Patient Information
Find Patient, Patient Location Services, Visitor Information. Learn more.

Patient Well Wishes
As part of our support for patient care and comfort, friends and family of inpatients at hospital and health care facilities can send well wishes via email.

Telephones
Cell phones can be used in general public areas but not in all patient care areas. Watch for signs that show where cell phone use is prohibited.

Wireless Internet
Wireless internet access is available throughout the hospital. Select the network called healthspot and sign up for an account. If you have any issues, call the Child Health Computer Program.

Your Voice

Advance Care Planning
Will your family and healthcare team know your wishes, in case your ability to speak for yourself becomes affected? Learn more

Patient Feedback
Alberta Health Services values your input; we want to hear from you. Your feedback will help us further improve the quality of Alberta’s health care system. Learn more

Patient-First Strategy
Albertans have told us they want health care that engages patients and families as full partners in their own care. Learn more

Thanks For Caring
If you missed the opportunity to thank someone for the care you received, now’s your chance. Learn more

Working Together: CoACT
Helping patients, families and care providers communicate and work together. Learn more

Family Guide

Alberta Children's Hospital - Family Guide

Now available for downloading.

Helps you and your family access services at the Alberta Children's Hospital.

The guide is divided into inpatient services for those staying in hospital and outpatient services for those who will be making regular appointments to the hospital during the day, but will not be staying overnight.

Maps of the facility are also contained in the guide.