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Families of kids with cancer will get faster and more convenient access to essential bloodwork closer to home thanks to a partnership of CHEO and the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA).
As of Sept. 15, 2025, children and youth receiving cancer treatment can visit walk-in EORLA labs throughout eastern Ontario for bloodwork, instead of travelling to CHEO for an appointment. There will be designated spaces at the labs for oncology patients, and immunocompromised children will be prioritized.
This will make a big difference for busy families by reducing travel time and indirect costs associated with travel. The partnership will also free up appointments at CHEO for other oncology patients, which will shorten wait times and improve access to care.
The initiative was envisioned by Dr. Nirav Thacker, pediatric oncologist at CHEO, and Rosalyn Talgoy, clinical assistant manager for Hematology/Oncology. Together, they co-led the effort with leaders from EORLA and CHEO’s nurse case managers.
In some cases, families have driven more than an hour for a very brief appointment to have bloodwork drawn. Talgoy said they’re saving families valuable time and lowering stress.
“We really want to provide the patient with the best care possible,” said Talgoy.
Thacker said families of kids with cancer deal with many different appointments. The partnership eases the daily burden so families can focus on what truly counts: being there for their child.
"When a child is going through cancer treatment, every hour with loved ones matters,” said Thacker, adding there is a growing focus on providing more cancer care outside the hospital, adapting to the evolving needs of children and youth.
Marking National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, CHEO continues to expand its work to support families of kids with cancer, including the Oncology Patient and Family Advisory Council that works with families to gather feedback and improve services.
The EORLA partnership is another powerful example of CHEO’s commitment to family-centred care and collaboration with community organizations.
Across the organization, CHEO continues to explore partnerships to collaborate throughout eastern and northern Ontario, Nunavut, and Quebec, which are all part of its catchment area.