Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Waterston is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at The Ottawa Hospital General Campus in Belleville, ON, she is an integral part of the local pediatric healthcare community. She adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her practice aligns with current best practices in child healthcare. Dr. Waterston’s focus is on promoting healthy growth and development from birth through adolescence, emphasizing preventive care, well-child check-ups, immunizations, and the management of common childhood illnesses. Her practice environment is designed to be welcoming and child-friendly, fostering a family-centered approach to care.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa (Canada) and has over 13 years of experience as a Pediatrician since 2011. Recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), Dr. Waterston maintains a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and excellence in pediatric medicine. Her certifications and experience enable her to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care tailored to each child's unique needs.
Dr. Waterston’s clinical philosophy is rooted in family-centered care, collaboration, and preventive health. She believes in working closely with families and other healthcare professionals to support the well-being of her young patients. In addition to her medical expertise, she speaks both English and French, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient community in Belleville. Her dedication is to support children and their families through compassionate, knowledgeable, and personalized pediatric care.
Dr. Sarah Waterston provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:
Common General Pediatric Conditions
- Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.
- 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.
Developmental & Behavioral Conditions
- Speech & Language Delays: Difficulties in understanding or using spoken language appropriate for a child's age.
- Sleep Disorders in Children (Behavioral & Mild): Difficulties with initiating or maintaining sleep, or other sleep-related problems often managed with behavioral strategies.
- Global Developmental Delay: Significant delays in two or more areas of development (e.g., motor, language, cognitive).
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.
- Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Sarah Waterston.
- Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
- Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
- Comprehensive Well-Child Visits (Infancy through Adolescence): Regular check-ups to monitor growth, development, nutrition, and overall health, including physical exams and age-appropriate guidance.
- Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
- Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Parental Guidance & Support: Providing education and support to parents on various aspects of child health, safety, behavior, and development.
- 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. Waterston 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.
The Ottawa Hospital General Campus, situated in Belleville's West Hill, Loyalist neighborhood, serves as a vital hub for pediatric care in the region. Easily accessible via Highway 401, the facility is well-connected by public transit, including Belleville Transit, making it convenient for families to attend appointments. The hospital campus is wheelchair accessible and designed to be welcoming for children and families, fostering a family-friendly environment. Parking is available at or near the facility for added convenience.
- Are pediatric services with Dr. Waterston 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. Waterston 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. Waterston's office, especially for subspecialty care.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Waterston, a Pediatrician?
- For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Waterston is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Waterston 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. Waterston'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.
- If my child is referred to a pediatric subspecialist, how can I prepare for the appointment?
- If Dr. Waterston or your family doctor refers your child to a subspecialist, it's helpful to prepare for the appointment. Bring any relevant medical records, test results, a list of current medications, and your child's health card. Write down your questions and concerns beforehand. Be prepared to discuss your child's symptoms, medical history, and any family history that might be relevant. Understanding the reason for the referral and what you hope to gain from the visit can make the consultation more effective.
- How does Dr. Waterston help manage chronic health conditions in children?
- For children with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or developmental disorders, Dr. Waterston plays a key role in ongoing management. This includes regular monitoring, adjusting treatment plans as needed, educating the child and family about the condition, coordinating care with other specialists or therapists, and providing support to help the child live a full and active life. The goal is to optimize health, manage symptoms, and support the child's overall well-being and development.
- What can I expect during my child's first visit or a well-child visit with a Pediatrician?
- During your child's first visit or a routine well-child check-up with Dr. Waterston, She will conduct a thorough physical examination, measure your child's growth (height, weight, head circumference for infants), and discuss developmental milestones. She will also review immunization records, talk about nutrition, sleep, safety, and behavior appropriate for your child's age. This is an excellent opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about your child's health or development. These visits are key to preventive care and building a strong relationship with your child's doctor.
- 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. Waterston 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. Waterston can help assess.
- When and how does a child transition from a Pediatrician to an adult care physician?
- The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 21, though it can vary based on individual needs and local practices. Dr. Waterston will work with your adolescent and family to plan for this transition, especially if your child has ongoing or complex health needs. This process involves discussing the importance of continued care, helping to identify a suitable adult care physician (like a family doctor or adult subspecialist), and ensuring a smooth transfer of medical information and care responsibilities.
The Ottawa Hospital General Campus
274 Dundas Street East, Division of Radiation Oncology
Belleville, ON K8N 1E6
Phone: (613) 779-7575 | Fax: (613) 779-8686
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.
Dr. Waterston 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. Waterston 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/Waterston-Sarah-Elizabeth/0243053-86765