Barcodes added to patient ID bands to enhance patient safety

At SickKids, we are constantly looking for ways to enhance and improve the patient experience. We are committed to making care better and safer across the hospital. One of the ways we are improving patient safety is by implementing new patient ID bands.

Starting June 2, our new and improved patient ID band will include barcodes. If your child needs medication, the medication will be scanned and the ID band will be scanned. This ensures that the right medication is given to the right patient at the right time. The ID band will be scanned with a barcode scanner or a smartphone camera.

When visiting SickKids every patient must wear their patient ID band on their arm or ankle at all times. To ensure your child is receiving the right care during their stay, the care team will use the ID band to check their name, date of birth and medical record number. If your child is sleeping, we’ll make sure to scan the ID band quickly and quietly to minimize any disruption to so that we don’t disturb your child.  

The ID band is made of soft, latex-free material. There are two colours of ID bands: a black ID band indicates that your child has an allergy and a white ID band indicates there is no allergy. The allergy is not printed on the ID band - the care team will review the allergy in our electronic health record.

If your child’s ID band has fallen off or the information is incorrect, be sure to tell your care team. If they are not wearing an ID band or if they have the wrong one, it can lead to errors or delays that can result in the wrong care for your child.

We look forward to continuing to improve the care we provide at SickKids.

To learn more about other improvements coming on June 2, when we implement our new health information system.

Learn more about how SickKids is improving patient safety.