Our stories

'The Extensive Needs Service has transformed our lives'

How the most vulnerable children with urgent and complex needs in Ontario finally have access to a program that meets their health-care needs

Kairo, who was prone to self-injurious and eloping behaviours, can now go to the park with his mom and had his first visit with the dentist ever in his life at the age of five. ‘Jennifer,’ who had a significant needle phobia that put her health at risk, can now tolerate having her bloodwork done. Matthew faces many developmental complexities such as autism, ADHD

Read more

CHEO’s 1st ICU patient led to lifelong connection to hospital

Ginette Boucher enters CHEO on a bright morning in late May where she spots her mom, Lucienne Markwell, as they meet up for a special tea date, and one can see her immediate childlike joy.

Ginette is a part of CHEO history. The 57-year-old was the hospital’s first patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) — after the family’s life changed forever on July 5, 1974.

Ginette, who often goes by “Ginnie,” was playing outside after dinner on a quiet street in Ottawa’s Overbrook neighbourhood when she was struck by an impaired...

Read more

CHEO more than ready for ‘big shift’ in behaviour analysis profession

Applied behaviour analysts will be regulated health professionals in Ontario for the first time as of July 1, 2024, and CHEO is prepared for the change.

The new Psychology and Applied Behaviour Analysis Act brings the profession of “Behaviour Analyst” within the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario.

That means every behaviour analyst must register and satisfy certain conditions to practise in Ontario.

The move aims to protect families and children who require Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), a flexible,

Read more

Maia’s childhood friend inspired her journey with CHEO

Meet Maia Popovic, child and youth counsellor with CHEO’s Eating Disorders Day program

When Maia was 17 years old, her best friend confided in her that she had an eating disorder. Confused and saddened that her friend, who portrayed such beauty and confidence, could be struggling so much, Maia turned to Google to try and find her friend some help. Her search led her to the CHEO website which provided resources on how to support your loved ones through eating disorders.

Maia remembers thinking,...

Read more

Indigenous communities help shape new CHEO treatment centre

CHEO is highlighting its engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities featuring different perspectives from various Indigenous partners. 

This article features a conversation with Anita Tenasco, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, on CHEO's new Integrated Treatment Centre.

The new CHEO Integrated Treatment Centre has engaged First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to ensure the building, spaces and care are welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

The treatment centre, set to open in 2028, will improve care and...

Read more