Our stories

CHEO is a second home for Patrick Holmes

Meet Patrick Holmes, Registered Nurse in our Intensive Care Unit

Thirteen years ago, Patrick’s younger brother, Matthew Holmes, was diagnosed with leukemia, which changed everything. Between relapses and bone marrow transplants, Matthew and his family spent many years in and out of CHEO’s oncology unit.

During those many years of treatment, Patrick remembers how the staff provided a welcoming environment for his family – how CHEO became a second home for him as he made memories with his little...

Read more

For Michael Munroe working at CHEO is a calling

Meet Michael Munroe (Mike), Registered nurse and Care facilitator in the CHEO Emergency Department

Mike started his journey at CHEO in 2005 as a Patient Service Attendant – doing transfers, holds and interacting with patients while also cleaning their rooms and the unit. But Mike wasn’t the only one of his family at CHEO. At the time, his brother was also a Patient Service Attendant, his sister-in-law was working as a nurse (and is still at CHEO today!), and his mother was working as a...

Read more

How kindness changed Christian Beaupre’s relationship with hospitals

For some of our staff, medical staff and learners, their health journey began at CHEO. Years later, they found their way back to help make a difference in the lives of children.

Meet Christian Beaupre, Service Coordinator, Telecommunications

Christian started his professional journey at CHEO in May 2012. But Christian has a more personal connection to the organization. At 12 years old, Christian began experiencing respiratory issues. His parents immediately sought care at CHEO, where he went...

Read more

CHEO’s new Extensive Needs Program: A story of gratitude for the holiday season

Meet Emma, an Ottawa mom and caregiver to her son Liam, who lives with neurodevelopmental exceptionality. Liam is a nine-year old boy who is bursting with curiosity and often bursts into an infectious laugh.  

Recently, Emma and Liam were introduced to CHEO’s groundbreaking new program called Extensive Needs. Launched in 2023, this program has one goal in mind: provide comprehensive support to children with complex needs, especially those who may have been previously excluded from care.   

As a...

Read more

New CHEO Mental Health Transitional Unit to help take pressure off Emergency Department

In another initiative to address the pressing youth mental health needs in the region and relieve pressure on the emergency department, CHEO unveiled its new Mental Health Transitional Unit. Located close to the Emergency Department, this new short-stay transitional space will focus on providing children and youth safe and specialized care with mental health professional. 

Before this transitional unit, patients had two options: long-term inpatient admission or coming to CHEO's Emergency Department. Not all...

Read more