Laptop Lending Program

The CHIMP program only has laptops available for patients and families to use during their stay at the hospital. Tablets and other smart devices are not available.

Rules & Regulations

1. You must be 13 years old, or older. Laptops will not be lent to patients under 13 years of age unless parents will be there to constantly supervise. Younger patients can have a visit from our volunteers who can provide supervised computer time.
2. We can't visit patients under airborne or modified isolations. Due to the nature of our equipment and the isolations, we can not effectively clean the laptop to use with another patient.
3. You must follow the Alberta Health Services Acceptable Use Policy.
4. You can borrow the computer until you finish your activity or you are discharged. On the rare occasion, we may need the laptop back so other patients can attend online scheduled programs.
5. When you are done with it, leave it with your unit clerk. Ensure both the power supply and the mouse are unplugged and packed in the box with the laptop.
6. No food or drink. Liquids and food can damage the devices, so please keep them away from our laptops. This includes other messy activities like arts and crafts.
7. Please respect our laptop. All our computers are donated and can't be easily replace if they are damaged, lost, or stolen.

Can I have one?

We have a limited number of laptops. We have a few guidelines to help us determine where the greatest needs can be met.

1. Some activities are given priority over others. Patients with school work or therapeutic needs will get a laptop before patients using the laptop for gaming and general Internet browsing.
2. Some patients have a greater need than others. Patients who are unable to leave their room (not under airborn or modified isolation) are giving priority.
3. Patients before parents. Parents are usually able to leave the room, and can use the Family Access computers on their unit, or in the Family & Community Resource Centre.
4. Parents can get a laptop. We realize the importance of being able to stay by the bedside with your child, so depending upon availability, we can lend laptops to parents.

Who do I ask?

We work by referral where child life staff, unit clerks, nurses, and doctors let us know if you could benefit from having a laptop. You can speak to one of the staff on your unit. Once we get your request, depending upon availability, we will send a volunteer down with a laptop to help get you set up.

Usage

The computers have been set up to be as open as possible so you have the ability to use the computer as you would like. There are multiple programs available on the computers, but you can install other programs that you may need. You can also uninstall programs if you need space. BUT be aware, when the computer is restarted, it will be reset and you will lose any files saved or changes you have made.