Virtual care for kids rolls out in Saskatchewan

SASKATOON — A new virtual care program is aiming to improve access to specialized pediatric care for critically ill children in Saskatchewan. The initiative uses Teladoc remote presence technology to connect healthcare workers in smaller communities with pediatric experts based at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon.

“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 Darcie Sparks, director of maternal services and children’s intensive care programs with the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) in a news release.

The technology allows specialists to provide real-time guidance during emergency situations, including support for making sure young patients are in the best conditions before they are transferred for advanced care.

The province’s only pediatric intensive care unit and its pediatric transport team are both involved in the delivery of virtual care to remote and rural health centres.

The program is being funded by the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF), which is helping to expand the use of Teladoc devices across the province.

“This is a powerful example of innovation at work,” said Troy Davies (pictured), CEO of the foundation.

“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.”

More communities are expected to join the virtual care network as additional devices are rolled out.

“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 healthcare system.”