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Back to SearchThe demolition is done, and CHEO is beginning to build the new lab space for Newborn Screening Ontario (NSO), a global leader in newborn screening that operates at CHEO’s campus on Smyth Road in Ottawa.
This work is part of CHEO’s bold 10-year redevelopment plan to build a future where every child and youth receives timely, quality care and where globally impactful research continues to enhance and improve clinical care.
NSO leaders and construction teams toured the space, located in the hospital’s Max Keeping wing, after demolition wrapped up in late July 2025.
Work will now focus on what’s going behind the walls and ceiling, including new wiring and duct work. This is extensive work because of the long list of specific electrical, temperature, humidity, and noise reduction requirements needed for the lab.
The new lab space will be larger than the total current space used by NSO, which is broken up in other parts of CHEO’s Smyth Road campus, and it will feature brand-new equipment and increased capacity.
“The idea of having purpose-built space for our entire program — that's never happened in 20 years — is just like a dream come true,” said Jennifer Milburn, NSO executive director.
Newborn Screening Ontario, which processes on average about 500 samples per day, and up to 2,000 samples on peak days, is responsible for all babies born in Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador and the Qikiqtaaluk (Baffin) region of Nunavut.
With just a tiny drop of blood, NSO screens for more than 25serious but treatable conditions — like metabolic disorders and immunodeficiencies. They also screen for congenital heart defects and liver disease using bedside, or at-home screening.
The space is expected to be completed in summer 2026 with a gradual move in fall 2026.
Spaces currently used for NSO work will then be transformed to additional clinical space for children and youth at CHEO.
About CHEO
Based in Canada’s capital, CHEO is a globally renowned health institution with a mission to provide exceptional care and support to children, youth and their families. Opening our doors in 1974, we offer a full range of specialized pediatric care and services to children from eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut. Our site is home to a hospital, a children’s treatment centre, a school, a research institute, and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa as an academic health science centre. Named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024 and 2025, we are home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives.