SASKATOON — Critically ill and injured children across Saskatchewan now have faster, closer access to pediatric intensive care expertise thanks to an innovative virtual care program supported by Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF).
Saskatchewan’s only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Provincial Pediatric Transport Team at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) are using remote presence technology to deliver real-time virtual care to local health centres throughout the province. This remote care model allows specialized pediatric teams to support and guide local providers during emergency situations, offering immediate communication and expert stabilization strategies during some of the most critical moments.
By connecting Saskatchewan families with top pediatric experts at JPCH, the program is improving outcomes and providing reassurance to families during medical emergencies.
“The virtual care program transforms how children receive care in every corner of Saskatchewan, bringing safe and timely clinical support closer to home in the moments it’s needed most,” said Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Darcie Sparks, Director of Maternal Services and Children’s Intensive Care Programs. “Thanks to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, the generosity of their donors and the expansion of remote presence technology into more communities, we are strengthening our health-care system and making a meaningful difference in the lives of pediatric patients and families.”
JPCHF officials say the organization is proud to fund this groundbreaking program as more Teladoc devices are implemented across Saskatchewan.
“This is a powerful example of innovation at work,” said Troy Davies, CEO of JPCHF. “Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is committed to funding transformative tools and technology province-wide that provide Saskatchewan children the best possible care, regardless of their postal code. Thank you to all our donors for making world-class pediatric care possible at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and in communities throughout the province.”
As this program expands, more communities will benefit from direct access to pediatric specialists through secure, high-quality virtual connections, another step forward in building a stronger, more connected provincial pediatric health-care system.
