Navigating Trauma Care, Hospital Transitions, and Rehabilitation
Paediatric Trauma Care at The Hospital for Sick Children
This guide is for families whose child is receiving trauma or critical care at SickKids following a serious injury.
What Families Need to Know When a Child Is Critically Injured
When a child is seriously injured, families may be told their child has been taken to The Hospital for Sick Children, commonly known as SickKids. This can be terrifying, even though SickKids is one of the most respected paediatric hospitals in the world.
SickKids provides specialized trauma and critical care for children and youth with serious injuries and complex medical needs.
Why children are treated at SickKids
Children require different medical expertise, equipment, and approaches than adults. SickKids specializes in paediatric trauma, neurological injury, and complex surgical care.
SickKids commonly treats:
Paediatric Traumatic Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury in Children
Severe Orthopaedic Trauma
Multi-System Injuries
Care focuses on both immediate survival and long-term development.
The ICU experience at SickKids
Paediatric ICUs are intense environments. Families may see many specialists involved in care and hear unfamiliar language.
Parents are encouraged to ask questions, request explanations, and remain involved in care decisions as much as possible.
Transitioning to Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation planning for children often begins early. Many children transition from SickKids to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital once medically stable.
Families should expect rehabilitation needs to change over time as the child grows.
LINKS TO GUIDES
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my child taken to SickKids?
SickKids specializes in paediatric trauma and critical care. Children require different expertise, equipment, and approaches than adults, and SickKids is designed specifically to meet those needs.
Will parents be involved in care decisions at SickKids?
Yes. Parents and caregivers are central to decision-making. The care team will explain treatment options, answer questions, and involve families as much as possible.
Does ICU admission at SickKids mean my child’s condition is worsening?
Not necessarily. ICU admission allows for close monitoring and specialized care. It is often a preventative step during stabilization after serious injury.
When does rehabilitation planning begin for children treated at SickKids?
Rehabilitation planning often begins while a child is still in hospital. Many children transition to Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital once medically stable.
Will my child need long-term follow-up after leaving SickKids?
Many children require ongoing therapy, educational support, and medical follow-up after discharge. Needs may change over time as the child grows and develops.