Imagine walking into the hospital and being greeted not by sterile walls, but by a friendly squirrel who guides you every step of the way.
The first of its kind in Canada, the My Hospital Pal mobile app features “Chip,” the augmented reality (AR) squirrel as a virtual orientation for children and youth visiting the Children’s Health Centre (CHC) at Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH).
Using AR technology similar to apps like Pokémon Go, Chip helps kids become familiar with the hospital setting in an interactive way, making it less intimidating and a lot more fun.
WHY AUGMENTED REALITY MATTERS IN CHILDREN’S HEALTH CARE
Augmented reality is a real-time, interactive experience with a person’s natural environment that is enhanced with computer-generated 3D images superimposed onto real-world objects. The idea of having an AR virtual pet as a hospital orientation for kids was inspired by Dr. Amir Behboudi, an ER doctor at Fraser Health.
Hospital visits can be overwhelming for kids and their families. From unfamiliar hallways to complex procedures, stress and fear are common. With the My Hospital Pal app, children can explore the CHC in a playful and reassuring way.
HOW IT WORKS
- Families receive a QR code to download the free app.
- As kids and their families move through the hospital, they can scan acorn-shaped images with QR codes.
- Each scan brings Chip to life with animated greetings such as a cheerful welcome to the Children’s Health Centre, helpful information about what happens before surgery, and a warm send-off as they leave.
Curious to see how Chip helps kids explore the Children’s Health Centre? Watch our short demo video below:
A COLLABORATION OF INNOVATION AND COMPASSION
The app was developed through a unique partnership between donors, Surrey Memorial Hospital’s Children’s Health Centre, and Microsoft’s Mixed Reality Studio in Seattle. The clinical team worked closely with designers on character creation, voice and 3D animation to ensure the experience was both medically accurate and child-friendly.
A REGIONAL IMPACT
Opened in 2001, the Children’s Health Centre is the only facility in the Fraser Health region dedicated exclusively to children’s health care, treating patients aged 17 and under. That makes it a lifeline for thousands of young patients every year.
The My Hospital Pal app is more than just technology—it’s a tool to make health care experiences more humane for children. By blending innovation with compassion, Surrey Hospitals Foundation and our partners are helping young patients feel supported during some of their most vulnerable moments.
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