Patient Care

Caring for your child and family

The Division of Pediatric General & Thoracic Surgery at the IWK provides outpatient consultation and inpatient elective and emergency surgical care to neonates, infants, children and adolescents of Atlantic Canada. We care for surgical conditions of the neck, chest, abdomen, groin and soft tissue.

Our surgeons are subspecialty trained in both open and minimally invasive surgery in infants and children. We strive to provide timely and quality care to children and families who are often far from home.

Finding out that your child requires surgery is stressful and scary news. At the IWK, our team is focused on supporting you and your child through this experience and helping you navigate the unfamiliar world of a children’s hospital. We understand that, to successfully treat each child, we must engage and support the child's whole family. Each step of the way in your journey we will try to answer your questions and to make sure your voice is heard.

Our health centre is designed with many attractions to occupy curious patients and their siblings. From the massive fish tank to the elaborate electric train set to the fully loaded playrooms, the IWK provides an environment of exploration and entertainment as a complement to healing. Our active Child Life department specializes in playing with children and families to overcome or work through the difficult experiences sometimes necessary.