About
Dr. Hala Dafi Saleem Shakhatreh is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at SJHC, Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine in St Catharines, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality care for her young patients. Dr. Shakhatreh focuses on preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and the management of common childhood illnesses, promoting healthy growth and development from infancy through adolescence. Her clinic environment is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, making every visit a positive experience for children and their families.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Jordan University of Science & Technology (Jordan) and has accumulated over 14 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2010. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), she is well-qualified to serve her pediatric patients with expertise and dedication. Dr. Shakhatreh continually updates her knowledge to incorporate the latest evidence-based practices in child healthcare, ensuring her patients receive the best possible care.
Dr. Shakhatreh's clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, preventive health, and collaboration with parents and other healthcare professionals. She is committed to supporting the health and well-being of children in St. Catharines through personalized, compassionate, and evidence-based approaches. Bilingual in English and Arabic, she strives to build strong, trusting relationships with her diverse patient community, ensuring that every child receives attentive and respectful care.
Dr. Hala Shakhatreh provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis - general management): A chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
- Otitis Media (Ear Infections): Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, very common in young children.
- Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
- Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Adolescent Health Concerns
- Menstrual Disorders (e.g., irregular periods, dysmenorrhea): Irregular, heavy, or painful periods in adolescent girls.
- Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.
- Acne & Other Skin Conditions: Common dermatological issues prevalent during adolescence.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Hala Shakhatreh.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Vision & Hearing Screening: Basic screening tests to detect potential vision or hearing problems in children.
- Nutritional Counseling & Weight Management for Children & Adolescents: Guidance on healthy eating habits, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and managing weight concerns in the pediatric population.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
- Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
- Developmental Screening & Surveillance: Assessing developmental milestones (motor, language, social, cognitive) and identifying potential delays for early intervention.
- Lead Exposure Risk Assessment & Screening: Evaluating risk factors for lead exposure and performing screening tests as indicated by guidelines.
Note: This list provides a general overview of services offered in Pediatrics (Comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents). Care plans are highly individualized to meet each child's specific health needs. Please discuss with Dr. Shakhatreh or your healthcare team for details relevant to your child's care.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant pediatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
SJHC, Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine is located in St Catharines, in an area near the central neighborhood. The practice is easily accessible via local public transit, making it convenient for families to visit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, creating a friendly environment for young patients. Parking is available at or near the facility, ensuring ease of access for families coming for appointments. The location is surrounded by local points of interest and is designed to support a comfortable and family-friendly experience for all visitors.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Shakhatreh covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Medically necessary consultations, well-child visits, immunizations, and treatment for illnesses provided by a licensed Pediatrician like Dr. Shakhatreh are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Some specialized tests, procedures, or medications prescribed by a subspecialist may require pre-authorization or might have specific coverage criteria. It's always a good idea to confirm coverage details with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) or Dr. Shakhatreh's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Shakhatreh, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Shakhatreh is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Shakhatreh is a pediatric subspecialist (e.g., a Pediatric Cardiologist or Developmental Pediatrician), a referral from your child's family doctor or a general pediatrician is usually required for services to be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). It's best to check with Dr. Shakhatreh's clinic directly regarding their new patient and referral policies. you may be able to book an appointment directly, especially if the practice is accepting new patients, or for newborn care.
- What should I do if my child gets sick after Dr. Shakhatreh's office is closed?
- Dr. Shakhatreh's office will usually have instructions for after-hours care. This might involve a phone number for an on-call physician or nurse line, directions to a pediatric after-hours clinic, or advice on when to go to an urgent care center or emergency department. It's a good idea to ask about these procedures during a regular visit. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
- What can I do if my child is having trouble sleeping?
- Sleep is crucial for a child's development. If your child is having trouble sleeping, establishing a consistent bedtime routine is very important. This includes a calming wind-down period, a set bedtime, and ensuring their sleep environment is comfortable, dark, and quiet. Limiting screen time before bed can also help. Dr. Shakhatreh can discuss age-appropriate sleep needs, common sleep problems, and strategies to address them. Sometimes, underlying issues like anxiety or medical conditions can affect sleep, which Dr. Shakhatreh can help assess.
- What are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Shakhatreh help?
- Current guidelines generally recommend no screen time for children under 18-24 months (except for video-chatting with family), and limiting high-quality programming to about 1 hour per day for children aged 2-5 years, co-viewed with a parent. For older children and teens, it's important to balance screen time with other healthy activities like physical activity, social interaction, and sleep. Dr. Shakhatreh can discuss these recommendations, help your family create a media use plan, and address concerns about the impact of screen time on your child's health and development.
SJHC, Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine
245 Pelham Road
St Catharines, ON L2S 1X8
Phone: (905) 682-2207 | Fax: (905) 682-1793
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Shakhatreh is a licensed Pediatrician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Dr. Shakhatreh may accept new patients directly for general pediatric care or via referral, depending on clinic policy. Please contact the clinic for information on new patient registration and any referral requirements for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Shakhatreh-Hala-Dafi-Saleem/0215828-81833