An image of a coffee mug open

When your child is in the PICU, social workers can help you find the support you need, like places to stay and where to find food. Below is more information about these resources. PICU social workers are on call 24/7. If you want to speak with a social worker, please tell your nurse.

Where to Stay
  • Your child will have a private room. The room will have a pull-out sofa. You are welcome to stay overnight, to be with your child.
    • We ask that no more than two parents stay in the patient’s room overnight.
    • It is also okay if you can't stay overnight with your child in the PICU for any reason.
  • If you need a place to stay while your child is in the PICU, please tell your social worker.  Please also tell your social worker if you have other children that need to stay with you, while you are here.
  • You may be able to get temporary housing from the BC Family Residency Program. Ask a social worker or visit their website to learn more
Food Options at BC Children's
  • Your child's room will have a mini-fridge.
  • You can use the kitchenette in your child's unit, or in the PICU lounge. Each kitchenette has a microwave and a fridge.
  • Inpatients can order room service. To order a meal for your child, please phone 604-875-2233 between 7 a.m. and 6:15 pm. Room service is open every day. If your child has food allergies or diet needs, please talk to your nurse.
  • Special meal trays called ‘companion trays’ are available for some caregivers. This includes caregivers who are breastfeeding and those who need to stay in their child’s room while their child is under ‘infection precautions’.
    • Please speak with your bedside nurse if you have questions about this.
  • Dining options in the hospital:
    • Connect Café:
      • Location: 1st floor of Shaughnessy Building
      • Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and stat holidays 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
    • Starbucks:
      • Location: Ambulatory Care building lobby
      • Hours:
        • Monday - Friday 5:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
        • Saturday - Sunday: 6:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
              
    • Café Eleven:
      • Location: 1st floor lobby of the ‘old’ BC Children's Hospital building, near entrance 11 and the Gift Shop
      • Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 - 4:30 p.m.
    • Connect Café Express:
      • Location:  1st floor lobby of the BC Women’s Hospital building, near entrance 93
      • Hours: Monday - Friday 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Bean Around the World café:
      • Location: 1st floor lobby of the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute Building at entrance 18.
      • Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
    • Food trucks:
      • Location: Cul-de-sac at entrance 35.
      • Timing: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Schedule changes monthly.
    • Vending machines:
      • Locations vary throughout hospital, including
        • In the Connect Café.
        • Near the café seating area at entrance 11
        • On the 2nd floor of Ambulatory Care building, directly above Starbucks
        • In the Teck Acute Care Centre lobby at entrance 53
    • Nourishment Stations: provides water, juice, and digestive cookies
      • Location: On every in-patient unit at BC Children's - ask your care providers for access.

Please note: hours of operation may change

Other Food Options
  • Safeway Food & Pharmacy is about 3 blocks away, at 990 West King Edward Avenue.
  • There is a Bean Around the World in the BCCH Research buildings (CFRI Kiosk) 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • There are restaurants nearby.
  • Many families use food delivery apps, like Uber Eats.  Please check the map below and share your preferred entrance with your driver.
an image of the BCCH campus map detailing the entrances to the PICU
Financial Help

If you need financial help, please talk to your social worker. There are programs and supports for families. 

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Social Resources