VICTORIA – Victoria General Hospital has become the first hospital on Vancouver Island to offer the social support platform and networking tool Upopolis to their young patients.
Powered by Telus Health and created by Kids' Health Links Foundation (KHLF), Upopolis.com is Canada's only private, secure and trusted online social network designed for kids and teens receiving medical care in hospitals and clinics. The site offers access to medical content written in kid-friendly language so patients can better understand their diagnosis and treatment plan, enables connections with other patients who share similar diagnoses through public and private discussion groups, and provides patients with a link to families, friends and schools while in hospital.
"For youth undergoing medical treatment, research shows us that the ability for them to stay connected with their support network, both inside and outside of the hospital, is a significant part of the healing process," said Telus Health president Paul Lepage, in the news release.. "Through Upopolis and our extensive work using innovative technology to drive better health outcomes for Canadians, we are privileged to help youth to stay connected to friends, family and others facing similar health challenges, as well as learn more about their health through access to online information in a safe and secure environment."
Telus Health and KHLF launched the first Upopolis program in 2007 at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON, and it has since expanded to 23 hospitals and health organizations across Canada. The Upopolis team and Telus Health also work together to adapt the program to meet the specific needs of each facility, such as adding French language capabilities or information specific to mental health.
