Consulting Pediatric Medicine sees children, in consultation, with a variety of general health concerns from birth to the day before their eighteenth birthday. The service collaborates with other pediatric sub-specialists to coordinate comprehensive care to children with specialized needs. Our philosophy is family-centered care.
Care We Provide
Our clinic provides Outpatient Evaluation/Assessment of any general pediatric issues.
Note: We do not provide primary care pediatric services.
Referral Process
The referral process is made through a direct referral from your family doctor. Any referrals may be faxed to the clinic as noted on the Referral Form.
Urgent Referrals: The clinics are not for emergencies. If your child needs to be seen on an urgent basis, please contact your family doctor or go to your local emergency department.
What to Bring
- Your child’s Health Card. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care requires us to validate your health card at every clinic visit.
- If you are a new immigrant to Canada, bring your Interim Federal Health Program document (IFHP).
- Any relevant test results or assessment reports available from other institutions.
- Any notes or questions that you may have.
- List of current medications (or a picture of your medications) and allergies.
When you arrive, please check-in at the reception desk. The Business Clerk will register you in the electronic system so that your team will know that you have arrived.
Note: If your child is unwell or has a communicable disease such as Chicken Pox or has been in contact with someone with Chicken Pox, please call the clinic before you come to the hospital.
What to Expect
When you arrive please check in at the reception desk. The Business Clerk will register you in the electronic system so that the team will know that you have arrived.
After registering at the front desk, please check in with the clinic staff before leaving the waiting room (for example, if leaving to visit the restroom or coffee shop).
Important: If your child is unwell or has a communicable disease, such as chicken pox, or has been in contact with someone with a communicable disease please call the clinic before you come to the hospital.
Interpretation Services
Interpretation services are available. Please inform the clinic if this service is of benefit to your family.
Team Members
McMaster Children’s Hospital is a “teaching hospital”. We provide education for health professionals such as doctors nurses, under close supervision by fully trained health professionals. Everyone involved in your child’s care will introduce themselves to you and explain their role in your child’s care.
Registered Nurse
The Registered Nurse checks your child’s vital signs, height, weight, and reviews your child’s medications. Please tell the nurse about your health concerns or new symptoms, including questions, prescription renewals, and forms to be signed.
Pediatric Resident
A resident is a medical doctor who is training to obtain an independent practice license in his or her chosen specialty (for example, Pediatrics, Neurology, or Orthopedics). Your child will be seen and followed by one of our pediatric residents.
Pediatric Fellow
A fellow is a doctor who has completed his or her residency (the training required to practice medicine independently) but is doing 1-2 years of even more specialized training.
Pediatrician
A staff pediatrician is the most experienced doctor on a team. He or she has completed all specialized training and is now supervising a team of doctors who are still at various levels of training.
Child Life Specialist
A Child Life Specialist provides psychosocial care to children and youth by helping them:
- understand and prepare for tests and procedures
- develop strategies to relax and to cope with stress or pain
- express their emotions
- follow treatment recommendations
