Demetrius Dejanovic was just three years old when a severe asthma attack sent him to SHN’s Centenary Hospital for three days in April 2025. His family didn’t know he had asthma.  After he went home, his family was referred to SHN’s new Kids Care Respirology Clinic, where they learned how to manage his asthma and recognize the signs of another flare-up.

“It was the first time everything really clicked for us. They took the time to explain what was happening with our son. Why it happens, what to watch for, and how to manage it properly. We really appreciated their patience and expertise, especially since our son is still so young,” said his father, Nik.

Through regular follow-up visits, the care team worked with the family to monitor Demetrius’s symptoms, adjust his treatment plan and teach them how to manage his asthma.

“For the first time, we felt like we had a dedicated space where all our questions could be answered,” said his mother, Nikki. “It’s a lot to keep up with as a parent, and having that kind of support made it feel manageable.”

Bringing specialized respiratory care closer to home

Located at Centenary Hospital, the Kids Care Respirology Clinic supports children from birth to age 18 with the diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of respiratory conditions. It offers pulmonary function testing to help diagnose asthma, specialized testing that is not available to children in most community respirology programs. Families also receive guidance on inhaler use, potential triggers and early warning signs.

As children settle into the school year, seasonal allergens can worsen asthma symptoms and make that guidance especially valuable for families. Because asthma and allergies are often closely linked, the clinic also works with other services in SHN’s Kids Care program, including the Allergy and Immunology Clinic. This helps families access connected care within the hospital network they already rely on.

The clinic is helping address an important gap in specialized paediatric respiratory care in Scarborough. With ties to the University of Toronto and SickKids, it also offers teaching and learning opportunities that help train the next generation of paediatric specialists.

Now four years old, Demetrius has a dedicated team his family can turn to. His parents have a clearer understanding of his asthma and greater confidence in knowing what to do if his symptoms return.