Coming for a Clinic Appointment
Whether this is your first visit to SickKids or you have been here before, we want you to feel prepared and supported. This page will help you understand what to expect before, during and after your clinic appointment.
Looking for details about a specific clinic?
Visit the Clinics Directory for clinic contact information, specific appointment instructions and information about cancelling or rescheduling an appointment.
Are you preparing for a virtual visit?
A virtual visit is like any other appointment with your SickKids care team, except you will be seeing them through your computer or smart device. Learn how to prepare your space and test your equipment before a virtual visit.
Prepare for your clinic appointment
Communication with the clinic
Your clinic team may send instructions before your appointment. Read any emails, letters or MyChart messages carefully, as some clinics have specific requirements. These instructions may include information about what to bring, whether your child can eat or drink before the appointment, or whether your child should take their usual medications.
If you need to contact your clinic before your appointment, visit the Clinics Directory for specific clinic contact information.
Are you registered for MyChart?
MyChart is a secure online portal for managing appointments, accessing health information and communicating with your care team. Ask a staff member during your next visit about registering for MyChart.
What to bring
- Your child's health card (OHIP card) or health-care coverage information
- Any forms you have been asked to complete
- Medications or a detailed list of current medications
- A phone charger
- Snacks and drinks, if permitted by your care team
- Comfort items, toys, books or activities for your child
- Anything you may need if you are at the hospital for several hours
If you or your child are feeling unwell
If you or your child are sick before the appointment or have been exposed to a contagious illness, contact your clinic as soon as possible for guidance. Infection prevention measures help protect patients, families and staff.
Tell us how we can support you
Let your clinic know before your appointment if there are specific ways we can support you. We will work with you to accommodate your needs where possible, which may include:
- A language interpreter
- Accessibility accommodations
- Support for sensory needs
- Help preparing your child for the appointment
- Other assistance that will help make your visit more comfortable
Family presence
Up to 2 family caregivers may accompany their child to clinic appointments and tests. Families visiting clinics with siblings are encouraged to consider the use of Family Spaces like the WAV PlayPark due to space constraints.
SickKids is located in downtown Toronto. Use maps and directions to help plan your trip.
Paid parking is available underground and street level. The entrance to our parking garage is located on Elm Street and is open 24/7. Since the parking garage is indoors, you can consider leaving bulky winter clothing in your car.
If you are travelling from outside Toronto, you may want to explore short-term accommodation options. Review the list of hotels close to SickKids, some of which provide discounts to families with scheduled appointments.
When you arrive at SickKids
Find your clinic
When you arrive, check in at the specific clinic desk or registration area. Check the specific clinic webpage or the instructions that were sent to you. Some clinics have more than one desk or testing area, so it is okay to ask for help if you are unsure where to go.
If you need help finding your way, speak to a member of the Concierge team (greeters) wearing red shirts at the entrances to the hospital, or in the Family Centre. Tell them which clinic you are going to and they can help direct you.
Check in at your clinic
When you arrive at your clinic, check in at the reception desk. Clinic staff will ask for your child’s health card or other information.
If you have more than one appointment on the same day, let the staff member know. If one appointment is delayed and you are worried about being late for another appointment, ask your health care team if they can contact the next clinic for you.
Moving around the hospital
Depending on your appointment, you may need to move between different areas of the hospital for check-in, tests or meetings with your care team. Ask clinic staff if you are not sure which elevator, hallway or registration desk to use. The Concierge team can also help you get around or get a wheelchair for your child if needed.
During your appointment
What to expect
Every appointment is different. Depending on your child’s needs, your visit may include:
- Meeting with members of your health-care team
- Tests, scans or assessments
- Discussions about treatment options
- Follow-up planning and next steps
The length of the clinic appointment will vary. Some appointments may take longer than expected if your child needs extra time with the care team, additional tests or changes to their care plan. In some clinics, test results may also affect what happens next during the appointment.
If your appointment is delayed
We aim to see patients as close to their scheduled appointment time as possible. However, delays may occur when patients need urgent care, extra testing, or more time with their care team. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
You can ask clinic staff:
- If the clinic is running behind
- How long you may need to wait
- Whether you can leave the waiting area and come back
- What to do if the delay affects another appointment
Knowing what to expect can help you plan your day and feel more prepared.
Waiting during your visit
During your visit, you may wait in different places, such as a waiting room, exam room or testing area. You may also move between waiting, tests and conversations with different members of your care team.
To help make waiting easier, consider bringing things that will help pass the time like colouring or activity books, books, toys or a tablet with headphones.
We are a teaching hospital
SickKids is a teaching hospital. This means learners may be part of your child’s care team. You may meet residents, fellows, nursing or other health-care students during your visit.
A learner may meet with you first, ask questions or do part of the assessment before another member of the care team joins. Learners work closely with experienced staff.
Research at SickKids
You may be invited to participate in a research study during your visit. Taking part is always your choice and will not affect the care your child receives.
If you have questions about research, ask your care team or the research team. They can explain what the study involves and what your choices are.
Complete your Health Equity Data Initiative (HEDI) survey
You may receive a Health Equity Data Initiative (HEDI) survey a few days before your appointment or during your appointment. Your responses help us better understand and meet the needs of the patients and families we serve. Completing this survey is optional.
Professional language interpretation services are available for free for families who prefer to communicate in a language other than English. Tell your clinic as early as possible if you need an interpreter. We can record your preferred language(s) in your child’s chart for future appointments.
Let your care team know if you or your child need accessibility accommodations for the appointment. This may include support getting around the hospital, wheelchairs or other equipment, accessible washrooms or other accommodations that help you access care.
Sensory and comfort supports
Some children and youth may benefit from extra sensory, comfort or behavioural supports. Speak with your clinic team before your visit to ask what supports may be available.
After your appointment
Before you leave, make sure you understand:
- Any follow-up appointments that are needed
- Tests or procedures that have been planned
- Medication instructions, including where to pick up your medications
- Who to contact if you have questions
- Whether you should expect information by phone, email or MyChart
If you are unsure about next steps, ask your clinic team before you leave.