Charting the Course for Parental Presence in the Operating Room

Leigh Banfield, BASc., CCLS has been a child life specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario for the past 18 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Family and Social Relations from the University of Guelph and a post graduate diploma in Child Life Studies from McMaster University. She has worked in the emergency department and inpatient surgery, but has spent the last 14 years working in perioperative services covering patients and families in the pre-assessment clinic, surgical day unit, operating room, and post-anesthetic unit. Leigh has landed coverage in parenting magazines and broadcast outlets lending her expertise around preparing children and youth for surgery. Leigh’s career ambitions have led her to develop several patient and family-centered care initiatives including the parental presence at induction program. This program empowers families to support their children in the operating room creating positive outcomes for children, youth and families.