Paediatric Diabetes Clinic moves to new, enhanced space

Families accessing care at Oak Valley Health’s Paediatric Diabetes Clinic (PDC) are now benefiting from an enhanced care environment following the clinic’s relocation on February 2 to an expanded space designed to better support multidisciplinary, team‑based care. The new clinic brings together modernized facilities, improved patient flow, and the co‑location of key paediatric services—marking an important step forward in delivering more seamless, coordinated, and family‑centred care.

The new clinic—located in the C. Donald Brodie Medical Office Building at Markham Stouffville Hospital—features three additional consult rooms (six in total), dedicated group education spaces, and a more comfortable waiting area. For the first time, paediatric lifestyle and paediatric endocrinology services will be fully integrated with the diabetes clinic, streamlining appointments and enhancing communication among providers.

“This new clinic space allows us to provide care in a way that’s more collaborative, efficient, and supportive for our families,” said Cheryl Osborne, Senior Director, Childbirth & Children’s Services, Community & Integration. “With more room for teaching, private consultations, and family education, we’re building a stronger patient experience—one that truly meets patients and families where they are.”

Founded in 1990, the PDC has become a regional centre of excellence, designated in 1996 as the paediatric diabetes program for York Region and now serving patients across the Central Region and beyond – including Barrie, Toronto, and Oshawa. In 2018, it became the first paediatric diabetes centre in Ontario to join SWEET, an international consortium focused on improving care for children with type 1 diabetes. In 2021, it was the first SWEET centre globally to complete a virtual peer review, earning “Centre of Reference” status.

“Families will notice the difference from the moment they walk in,” said Dr. Nicole Coles, Paediatric Endocrinologist. “This move represents our commitment to providing modern, integrated, high‑quality care for children living with chronic conditions.”

Patients and families are already noticing the impact of the new environment. Chloe, a long‑time patient, shared: “I come for appointments every three months, so I’m used to seeing the same people each time. The familiarity is still here, but now this new space is so open—it feels less like a clinic and more welcoming and comfortable, which is exactly what you want when you’re coming in for an appointment.”

Another patient, Etel, commented on the improved design: “I like the rooms—they’re a lot more spacious. It’s convenient for patients to have all their care providers in one place, and it really improves the overall patient experience.”

Parents are also expressing appreciation for the new space. Lena, mother of a patient, noted: “It’s spacious and doesn’t feel intimidating or crowded. I love that the building is still connected to the main hospital, since that’s where we register.”

By bringing services together in a welcoming, purpose-built space, Oak Valley Health’s Paediatric Diabetes Clinic is making it easier for families to access the care they need, when they need it, while strengthening collaboration among care teams. The result is a more connected, supportive, and compassionate care experience — one that puts patients and families at the centre, today and into the future.

*Story submitted by Michelle Lee Hoy.