At Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital, we want our smallest surgical patients and their families to have a positive experience. We support children and their families during surgical experiences by providing the expertise of a child life specialist as well as the Dr. Bear Surgical Pre-Admission Program. If your child is getting ready for surgery, the Dr. Bear Program will help you and your child understand and know what to expect. This support decreases anxiety and will leave your child with a positive memory of their experience with us.
In order to focus our attention on your child who is having surgery, we are unable to invite siblings (other children or adults) to the Dr. Bear Program. However, a parent/guardian and your child are welcome to join the program.
To register, please call your child’s surgeon’s office. For questions about the Dr. Bear Surgical Pre-Admission Program, please call our Child Life Program at 905-472-7373 ext. 6408.
Click on the ‘I’m Thirsty’ drinking game to use our tool we provide to encourage drinking fluids after surgery. (Please remember – no drinks/food before surgery.)