For thousands of families across the Maritimes, a visit to the IWK Children’s Emergency Department happens during some of life’s most stressful moments. And for many children, the bright lights, strange sounds, unfamiliar equipment, and the uncertainty of medical procedures occurring can feel frightening and overwhelming. That’s why Child Life Services is an essential part of IWK’s care team, ensuring patients and their families receive the support they need to make these difficult days a little bit easier.
As part of the Children’s Emergency Care Expansion project, IWK Health is creating a space designed to better support children, families, and care teams. The upgraded facility will feature larger spaces, updated equipment, and improved patient flow—but for Matt Hunter, Child Life Specialist, the true difference will be in the details.
In his day-to-day work, Hunter helps children and family members navigate the emergency department with confidence by offering psychosocial care. Whether it’s offering tablets and fidgets for comfort or distraction, advocating for patient and family personal needs, teaching individualized coping strategies, or explaining procedures through the use of play, he meets children and family members at their level. These small, thoughtful exchanges transform fear into curiosity and confidence, making difficult moments a little easier.
Hunter’s expertise has also shaped the design of the new department. Working closely with consultants, he helped design spaces informed by what children and families need most. The department will feature interactive displays on floors and walls, engaging murals, sensory calming items, virtual game tables, and thoughtfully lit spaces. Every element is designed to make the environment welcoming, inclusive, and child-focused, while supporting clinicians are providing the highest standard of care.
Fostering a child-focused environment, Hunter explains, initiates an improved cycle of care. “Creating a space where children feel safe and supported, helps families experience less stress, and in turn allows care teams to better connect with patients, helping them express their needs and participate in their care.”
By combining innovative architecture with child-centered strategies, IWK’s new Children’s Emergency Department sets a higher standard of care—one that prioritizes safety, compassion, and the experience of every patient and family who enters its doors.
About the Children’s Emergency Care Expansion
The new Children’s Emergency Department at the IWK will enhance emergency care for children and youth across Atlantic Canada. The modern space will include 24 private exam rooms, dedicated trauma and resuscitation areas, improved spaces for mental health and addictions care, and multiple triage rooms to support faster assessment and treatment. Designed with child-friendly spaces, natural light, and improved privacy for families, the new department will help create a more comfortable environment while supporting high-quality care.