As the demand for Paediatric emergency care continues to rise, Children’s Paediatric ED team continues to prioritize the best care.
A Day in the Life of an ER Physician
For Dr. Lim, no two days are ever the same.
“We walk into the ER every shift not knowing what we will face. It could be a child with a mild fever, a traumatic injury or a life-threatening condition. The only constant is the team – our ability to work together, to adapt, and to provide care no matter the situation.”
The Paediatric ED operates around the clock, serving children from across Western Ontario. Each year, the team provides care through 47,000 visits for approximately 36,000 patients.
Dr. Lim and his team are trained to handle everything from broken bones to respiratory illnesses to severe traumas, often making split-second decisions that can change the course of a child’s life.
In every situation, Dr. Rod Lim’s goal is to make sure that he meets each unique patient where they are, welcomes them, and lets them know that they are in this together. Even when the answer isn’t immediately in sight, Dr. Rod Lim and his team will work together with patients and their families to provide the best care.
“Parents come to us in moments of fear and distress. It’s not just about treating the child — it’s about reassuring the parents, answering their questions, and making sure they know we are doing everything possible. We see people on the hardest days of their lives, and our job is to provide not just medical care, but emotional support as well.”
In the heart of one of the country’s leading paediatric Emergency Departments, Dr. Rod Lim leads a team committed to providing exceptional care to children and their families. As Medical Director of the Paediatric Emergency Department (ED), Dr. Lim has dedicated over two decades to ensuring that every child who walks through the doors receives not only expert medical treatment but also the comfort, reassurance, and hope they need in their most vulnerable moments.
Creating a Better Experience for Children and Families
The recent expansion of the Paediatric ED has played a crucial role in improving the experience for families. Designed with children in mind, the new space is brighter, more functional, and better equipped to meet the growing needs of the community. With a 50% increase in footprint, the department can now accommodate more patients while reducing wait times and creating a calmer, more efficient environment.
“It’s not just about having more space — it’s about having the right space. We want families to feel safe and comfortable while they wait. We want children to feel like they are in a space designed for them, rather than in a chaotic adult setting. This new space allows us to provide better care, faster.”
The Challenges of Paediatric Emergency Medicine
While the expanded department is a step forward, Dr. Lim acknowledges that challenges remain. Increased patient volumes, mental health crises and limited resources are all ongoing struggles. The demand for paediatric emergency care continues to rise and Children’s Paediatric ED has been supporting 26% more patient visits than just four years ago. This expansion has been key to ensuring that every child receives the attention they need.
“It’s not just about having more space — it’s about having the right space. We want families to feel safe and comfortable while they wait. We want children to feel like they are in a space designed for them, rather than in a chaotic adult setting. This new space allows us to provide better care, faster.”
One of the biggest needs for the department is a purpose-built mental health space — an area where children experiencing crises can receive care in an environment that feels safe and supportive. “Right now, we are making do with what we have, but we need a space that is designed for children facing mental health challenges, a space where they feel protected and not just placed in a room that feels cold or clinical.”
Hope Lives in Community Generosity
None of these improvements would be possible without the generosity of donors. Through contributions from donors like you, the Paediatric ED has been able to expand, purchase critical equipment and create a more child-friendly atmosphere. Your gifts fuel advancements in paediatric care, bringing hope to families when they need it most.
“To our donors, I want to say thank you. Your generosity directly impacts the experience children and families have in our department. From a warm, welcoming waiting area to the life-saving equipment we use every day, your support makes a tangible difference in the care we provide. Hope lives in every act of giving, in every investment in a child’s future.”
Dr. Lim emphasizes that every donation counts, no matter how big or small. “When people donate, they sometimes wonder if it really makes an impact. I can assure you, it does. Every piece of equipment, every improvement in our space, helps us provide better care. You are helping us care for children in their most vulnerable moments, and that is truly priceless.”
Looking to the Future
Dr. Lim’s ultimate vision is a Paediatric ED that is fully designed to meet the unique needs of children, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. More space, more resources and better mental health facilities are all part of that dream.
“Emergency care is not just about treating illness and injury — it’s about creating a safe haven where children and their families feel supported. We’ve made incredible strides, but there is still so much more to do. With continued support from our community, we can make this the best possible place for children when they need it most.”
Through his unwavering dedication, Dr. Lim is not only shaping the future of Paediatric emergency medicine in London — he is ensuring that every child who walks through their doors, is supported by the Paediatric ED at Children’s Hospital. Consider making a donation today. Your support strengthens children’s care in Western Ontario and beyond, helping provide innovative approaches to life-changing and life-threatening conditions. With your help, Hope Lives Here.
