Dr. Saroj Saigal – Pediatrician | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Saroj Saigal is a dedicated Pediatrician committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate healthcare for infants, children, and adolescents. Practicing at Peel Region Cancer Centre in Hamilton, 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 provincial regulations and best practices. Dr. Saigal 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 approach is family-centered and supportive, fostering trusting relationships with her young patients and their families. The clinic environment is designed to be child-friendly and welcoming, creating a positive experience for children and their caregivers.

Dr. Saigal graduated with a Medical Degree from Vikram University in India and has dedicated over 53 years to her profession as a Pediatrician since 1971. She is recognized as a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive experience ensures she provides expert pediatric care rooted in evidence-based medicine and continuous learning. She is committed to staying current with advancements in child healthcare and integrating them into her practice to benefit her patients.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes family-centered care, preventive health, and collaboration with parents and other healthcare professionals. Dr. Saigal believes in empowering families with knowledge and support to foster healthy development and well-being in children. She also speaks Panjabi/Punjabi in addition to English, helping her connect effectively with diverse communities in Hamilton. Her dedication to young patients and their families makes her a trusted provider in the community, committed to nurturing the health and happiness of every child she cares for.

Dr. Saroj Saigal provides care for a wide range of childhood conditions, including:

Common General Pediatric Conditions

• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically causing vomiting and diarrhea.
• Asthma (Mild to Moderate): A chronic lung condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to wheezing and breathing difficulties.
• Allergies (Seasonal, Food, Environmental - initial management): Immune system reactions to various substances, manifesting as rashes, respiratory issues, or digestive problems.

Developmental & Behavioral Conditions

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental condition involving challenges with social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
• Learning Disabilities (e.g., Dyslexia, Dyscalculia): Challenges in specific academic areas despite normal intelligence.
• Anxiety & Mood Disorders in Children: Conditions like generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or childhood depression affecting emotional well-being.

Adolescent Health Concerns

• Sports Injuries & Concussions: Injuries common in active teenagers, including head injuries requiring careful management.
• Adolescent Depression & Anxiety: Mental health challenges that can emerge or intensify during teenage years.
• Substance Use Issues (Screening & Brief Intervention): Addressing concerns related to alcohol, tobacco, or drug use in adolescents.

This list provides examples and is not exhaustive. For personalized advice, please discuss your child's specific situation with Dr. Saroj Saigal.

• 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.
• Mental Health Screening & Initial Support: Basic screening for common pediatric mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, depression) and providing initial support or referrals as needed.
• Newborn Care & Examinations: Initial health assessments for newborns in hospital or clinic settings, including feeding support and parental guidance.
• Routine Immunizations & Vaccinations: Administering vaccines according to provincial immunization schedules to protect children from preventable diseases.
• Anticipatory Guidance for Injury Prevention: Educating families on age-specific safety measures to prevent common childhood injuries.
• Management of Chronic Pediatric Conditions: Ongoing care and coordination for children with long-term health issues like asthma, allergies, eczema, diabetes, and ADHD.
• Diagnosis & Management of Acute Childhood Illnesses: Evaluation and treatment for common illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, sore throats, rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.

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. Saigal 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 Peel Region Cancer Centre in Hamilton's Westdale neighbourhood is situated within a vibrant and accessible medical hub. Located near the McMaster University Medical Centre (West End) and the FirstOntario Concert Hall (formerly Hamilton Place), the centre is easily reachable via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families, providing a friendly environment for young patients. Metered street parking and nearby parking lots are available for visitors, ensuring convenient access for families coming from different parts of Hamilton and surrounding areas. The centre is a key medical facility within the Hamilton community, dedicated to delivering specialized healthcare services in a family-friendly setting.

Are pediatric services with Dr. Saigal 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. Saigal 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. Saigal's office, especially for subspecialty care.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Saigal, a Pediatrician?

For a general Pediatrician, you may be able to book an appointment directly for your child, particularly if Dr. Saigal is accepting new patients or for newborn care. However, if Dr. Saigal 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. Saigal'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 are the current screen time recommendations for children, and how can Dr. Saigal 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. Saigal 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.

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. Saigal, 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.

Peel Region Cancer Centre
1280 Main Street West, Credit Valley Hospital
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Fax: (905) 521-5007

The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to be welcoming to children and families.

Dr. Saigal 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. Saigal 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/Saigal-Saroj/0021371-26159