The family is the constant in the child's life. We support and empower family members as partners and decision-makers in their child's care and help them cope more confidently with their child's illness.
Family-centred care requires trust and respect, including respect for each family's values, beliefs, and religious and cultural background. We value families' knowledge of their children, acknowledging their authority asdecision-makers and respect their choices.
We provide the information families need to make educated choices about treatment and support the choices they make. When families understand their options, theyfeel less powerless about their child's hospital experience.
Our professional staff provides medical information to families and values the personal information families provide about their children. This information exchange buildstrust and contributes to the partnership between families and caregivers.
We support families by respecting their decisions; offering comfort as they cope with the child's illness; meeting the social, developmental and emotional needsof the child; and fostering family members' confidence in their ability to care for their child.
Families bring different personalities, life experiences, values, beliefs, education, and religious and cultural backgrounds to the hospital setting. Family-centred care emphasizes that caregivers must be flexible so they can meet the needs and preferences of all families.
As partners in care, professional staff and family members work together as collaborators in the best interest of the child.
Families have the right and the authority to care for their children. The core concepts of family-centred care empower families in the care of their children.Here are some resources to assist families: Family Issues Family Resource LibraryInstitute for Family Centered Care (IFCC)Partners in Care Family Advisory20 Tips to Help You be Part of the Healthcare Team: When Your Child Needs Care