Inpatient Units

At the heart of Whitehorse General Hospital are our inpatient units, providing medical and surgical care for adults, children and youth. Our team’s goal is around-the-clock safe and excellent hospital care, which includes monitoring, observation and treatment.

Our medical and surgical inpatient units have 55 beds distributed between:

• Medical care
• Surgical care and recovery
• Maternity
• Paediatric Unit
• Secure Medical Unit
• Intensive Care Unit

Our medical & surgical care team includes:

• Physicians
• Nurses
• General Surgeons
• Visiting Specialists
• Pharmacists
• Registered Dietitians
• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• First Nations Health Liaisons
• Psychiatrists
• Social Workers
• Unit Clerks
• Healthcare Security Officers

Your health care team will consist of a number of the professionals listed above and is customized to suit the specific care you need. They will work together to meet your specific needs during your stay, help you back to the community, and keep you informed and involved in your care plan.

Surgical Patients

Our team provides 24-hour care for surgical patients. You are admitted to the surgical unit after surgery as well as if you require care beyond the hours of the Surgical Day Care Unit.

Paediatric care is a specialized area offered within our Medical Unit and staffed by dedicated paediatric nurses who work as a team with physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, dietitians and other support services to provide child, youth and family-centered care.

What to Expect

Being away from home and receiving medical treatment can be especially difficult for children and their families. The hospital staff is available around-the-clock to help make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Cots are made available for parents, who are expected to stay with their child.

What to Bring

If your child is staying overnight, there are a number of items you may want to bring. Toys and games are not available due to infection control, children  should also bring along a favourite toy or blanket. Let the nurse know about any food preferences your child may have in order to make any special arrangements. Please remember to put the child’s name on each item and check to make sure that the item is not flammable.

The ICU provides continuous monitoring and observation for patients with medical or surgical conditions that require intensive, round-the-clock care or observation. Patients are usually in the ICU for a short-term stay so our team can provide personalized support for issues that could include:

• Observation after a complicated surgery or medical procedure
• Dealing with heart or lung issues
• Stabilization after a serious accident or medical emergency

The ICU Team

The ICU team consists of doctors, nurses, lab and X-ray technologists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dieticians and social workers. The team members work together to provide expert and quality care for patients and their loved ones.

Patients & Families

We know that being in the ICU, or having a relative or loved one in the ICU, can be a frightening and sometimes overwhelming experience. You want to know what is happening and what to expect. As an important part of our care, we make ourselves as accessible to you as possible, listen to your concerns, and answer your questions. We consider you a team partner and will communicate with you and your loved ones about any changes and ongoing plans.

Located on the second floor at WGH, the unit has five beds and two seclusion rooms with a team that provides 24-hour assessment, observation, care and support. This enables patients to receive care in an environment designed to manage specialized health needs.

The SMU Team

The Secure Medical Team is made up of the following roles:

• Physicians
• Mental health social workers
• Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses
• First Nations liaison worker and social worker

If you think you need help, we recommend that you meet with your doctor and/or community support to discuss your symptoms and possible outpatient treatment options. If the problem persists, you can meet with your doctor to arrange direct admission or go to the emergency department to be assessed.

Leaving the Hospital

The SMU team maintains close ties with many resources and community-based programs. Discharge planning begins at the time of admission. Each patient has a unique plan depending on the situation, level of need and safety.

More Hospital Information & Resources

Contact, Parking & Directions to WGH
What to Bring to WGH
Visiting the Hospital
Preparing for Surgery
Cell Phones & Internet at WGH
Meals at WGH
WGH Patient Support Information