:: code of conduct

The standards of behaviour outlined in our code of conduct below must be observed by all staff and volunteers in order to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children in hospital, and to maintain the status of KACCH as a competent, professional organization. These standards are based on ethical principles and the philosophy that the patient and family's dignity, privacy and autonomy are of paramount importance. Violations of these principles may result in immediate suspension and dismissal from KACCH.

1. The confidentiality and privacy of the patient and family must be respected at all times. You should not discuss anything you learn on the wards with anyone outside of the hospital. Meetings and discussions between KACCH staff and other health care professionals should be limited to issues concerning the psychosocial well-being of the child and family. Specifics about any particular child or family may not be shared without the written permission of the family and KACCH management.

2. Relationships formed as a result of professional contacts with patients and their families may not be pursued outside the hospital, nor may you give or receive gifts or give any special, preferential treatment to individual patients and families.

3. All activities within the hospital should be conducted with a positive attitude based on the philosophical objective of maintaining a healing environment for children and their families. Conferences with hospital staff must be limited to those areas within the professional boundaries of Child Life. Should staff members or volunteers observe unsafe or improper conduct on the ward, KACCH management should be notified immediately and privately. The management will take appropriate steps as deemed necessary. Under no circumstances are KACCH staff or volunteers to make direct complaints to hospital staff or families.

4. Public statements about KACCH activities, policies, routines and practices must be limited to general statements about the role and value of play in hospital. Care must be taken that no criticism of parents or hospital policies, procedures or personnel is either stated or implied.

5. The playroom may not be used a venue for discussions of problems, criticisms of hospital policies and routines or other negative topics. Personal problems of staff and volunteers may not intrude upon the positive atmosphere necessary for a healing environment. Should problems requiring immediate action arise during the working day, they may be discussed in the KACCH office or by telephone, with the KACCH management.

6. Play Leaders are responsible for all conduct and activities in the playroom. Should other staff members or volunteers violate the code of conduct within the playroom it is her responsibility to remind them and inform KACCH management should the behaviour continue.

7. The Child Life Specialist may occasionally ask an experienced volunteer to work on a one-to-one basis with a particular child in the child's room (read a story, play a game). This may only be done with the mother's permission and with the knowledge and supervision of the CLS. Should the medical or nursing staff need to examine or give treatment to the child during your visit you should excuse yourself from the room. If they wish for Child Life support during the procedure you should inform the CLS immediately.

8. Volunteers may not wander around the ward on their own nor visit the wards outside of KACCH working hours without the knowledge and permission of the Child Life Specialist. At no time may a volunteer take a child outside of the ward.

9. As a volunteer you may not answer questions relating to the child's illness, treatment, prognosis, or related topics. Should the child or family member require information you should refer them to the Child Life Specialist.

10. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or unable to work with a particular child please discuss your feelings with the Child Life Specialist or KACCH management. The time you spend supporting children and their families in hospital is highly valued and greatly appreciated and should leave you feeling that your time has been well spent.