CHARITY FINALISTS
September 24th, 2024
Here are the three projects at the Montreal Children's Hospital which we will be hearing about:
Tiny Tim Fund
Parental presence at induction
Smart Hospital Project
Please scroll down to learn more about each of the finalists.
Tiny Tim Fund
Imagine worrying about being able to buy groceries when you’ve just been told your child is gravely ill. Unfortunately, the financial pressure on families treated at The Children’s is growing. Due to higher food and gas costs, rising inflation and more refugee claimants, our social services team saw a 58% increase in requests assistance. Our donors’ generosity helps pay for gas, parking, groceries, vouchers for food banks, meals during their child’s hospitalization, and medical equipment and medications, as well as accommodations for families from out of town. The Children’s mission has also expanded to include obstetrics. As a result, new moms, dads, and their babies now receive help with necessities such as diapers, formula, clothes, pharmacy gift cards, and more. and the people they serve.
Parental Presence at Induction
The parental presence at induction program (PPI) is offered to children and families treated in pediatric surgery. The team offers developmentally appropriate preparation and support to the child and caregiver / family prior to anesthesia induction to reduce stress, maximize coping and adaptation. In addition, they offer procedural support during pre-operative blood procurement, COVID-testing, and other preparations. In alignment with family centered care and inclusivity in acknowledging a child’s respective family support system as a unit, the team is increasingly consulted to offer support to siblings of a hospitalized child, who may experience their own wide range of feelings and concerns.
Smart Hospital Project
The Smart Hospital Project seeks to revolutionize neonatal care through the power of innovative wireless technology, cutting-edge "smart dashboards," and advanced machine learning tools, all while maintaining a family-centered approach. A Canadian first – researchers at The Montreal Children’s Hospital test wireless vital-sign sensors on tiny newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit. Wireless patient vital-sign sensors enable continuous monitoring throughout a newborn’s hospital stay. They will alert nurses and physicians to changes in the patient's condition more quickly, improving care and even reducing hospital stays. Down the road, wireless monitoring could allow some patients to return at home while their vital signs are monitored remotely.