Ahead of respiratory season, BC Children's Hospital has launched "Sunny Bear" chat bot. It will be a new channel available to families who have questions about staying well during respiratory season or about services at our hospital.
The chat bot is named after the hospital's mascot, "Sunny Bear," and can answer a range of questions families may have, including:
- services available at the hospital for patients and families, including food services, cultural and financial supports, and navigation and transportation guidance;
- general guidance on when to visit the nearest emergency department or urgent care centre;
- public health guidance on staying well during respiratory season; and
- key symptoms of some respiratory viruses.
We know Sunny Bear is not the solution for every family. Those who have further questions can contact our dedicated Patient Experience team, the hospital's switchboard or care providers, for clinical questions.
Sunny Bear doesn't replace the important role health-care providers play in offering the best available advice on health.
Families with questions about their child's health should continue to:
- call 8-1-1 for free guidance on when and where to access care;
- visit a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or urgent and primary care centre for non-emergency concerns;
- call 9-1-1 or attend their nearest emergency department or urgent care centre if their child has an urgent health issue, such as difficulty breathing.
In the months ahead, we will continue to update the Sunny Bear chat bot to offer information about changes that may impact families visiting
our hospital.
BC Children's Hospital wishes to express gratitude to our partners at BC Children's Hospital Foundation for their support on the Sunny Bear chat bot, bringing Foundation mascot Sunny Bear to life to help kids and families navigate their care.
