The Medical Day Unit (MDU) was renovated in 2002, from four to a twelve bed unit. This was made possible by the hard work of the BCCH Foundation and the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Chieng. As a result of the renovations, the Medical Day Unit is now able to offer the best care in the best place to more children and youth and their families.

The Medical Day Unit is a day treatment and diagnostic unit for the care of children and their families who require the multitude of services provided in this unique, bright and cheerful area.

The unit consists of the:

• Medical Day Unit
• Medical Investigation Facility
• Diabetes Day Program

We care for children and their families following organ transplant such as liver, kidney, bowel, heart and thymus transplants. These children require careful monitoring for many months and often need central line blood work drawn and visits with physicians, transplant nurse coordinator and other allied health members.

We support the Diabetes Day Program, which involves a two- to three-day teaching program for children and youth and their families who have and new diagnosis of diabetes.

We care for minor burns and have a laser clinic for treating birth marks.

The Unit provides a safe place for diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, lumbar punctures, liver biopsies, tensilon tests, and skin biopsies. We use conscious sedation as required for pain management.

The Medical Day Unit is a home base for families dealing with complex medical problems. We provide support and education for the Home Intravenous and Total Parental Nutrition Program, children on nasogastric feeding, subcutaneous medication delivery (Insuflon), and complex feeding problems.

The Medical Day Unit serves as a resource for the Spinal Cord Clinic by teaching children and their families about the bowel program and Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC).

If you would like more information about our services, please see What we do in Medical Day Unit (PDF).

This information will assist you in planning your Medical Day Unit visit. 

• Parents stay with their child in Medical Day Unit.
• We have a selection of videos, some games and toys. If your stay is going to last several hours, we recommend bringing in your own favourite games, books or hobbies to help pass the time. Keep in mind the reason you are coming to Medical Day Unit (e.g. intravenous procedures, sedation, etc.) in making your choice.
• Snack foods such as juice, yogurts, popsicles, toast, cereals, and some canned products are available as well as a kettle, toaster and microwave. If you are staying over a meal time or prefer your own snacks, please plan to bring or buy your own food.
• Some children prefer their own pillows and blankets and a favorite cuddly.
• Parents of infants or children with formula requirements need to bring their own supply.
• Please bring any regular medications that your child needs to take during their stay.
• A portable phone is available for use by parents, as cellular phones must be turned off while in the hospital.

For information about your child’s procedure, treatment or medical condition please contact your referring physician.
 
We are located on the second floor of the hospital in Area 2C. Take the elevator from the first floor of the main Children’s Hospital Building to the second floor and follow the signs.