CHEO's parent/caregiver policy and visitor policy

Hospitals in the Champlain region are supportive of Ontario’s plan to require proof of vaccination to access businesses. COVID-19 vaccination is effective at reducing the risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death, and therefore protects our health-care system from becoming overwhelmed. That is why, in the coming weeks, hospitals in the region will begin requiring proof of vaccination for visitors entering the hospital. Hospitals are putting in place plans to implement this direction.

CHEO does not consider parents and caregivers to be visitors.

That is why we have a parent/caregiver presence policy and a separate visitor policy. Parents and caregivers are part of the care team, providing critical information about their child or youth, as well as important emotional support. As a result, parents and caregivers will not be separated from their child or youth onsite.

CHEO’s visitor policy is effective as of September 22, 2021.

Please consult the details (below) of our updated policies related to the presence of parents, caregivers and visitors at CHEO.

Parent, caregiver and visitor presence policies

Please review the following information before arriving at CHEO.

Parents and caregivers are important members of the care team. They actively work with us to provide vital health information only they know and give emotional support in the way only a parent or caregiver can.

For infection prevention and safety reasons, we have limits on how many parents, caregivers and visitors can be onsite at one time. We also limit the number at the bedside.

We appreciate your patience and understanding in keeping everyone safe, particularly during the peak viral season.

Allowed number of parents, caregivers and visitors

Last updated: April 2025

Clinic and Surgical Day Unit appointments

TWO parents or caregivers are allowed to accompany children and youth while at CHEO for clinic and Surgical Day Unit appointments.

Emergency Department visits

ONE parent or caregiver is recommended to accompany children and youth while at CHEO's Emergency Department.

Staying at the hospital (admitted to CHEO's inpatient units)

A maximum of TWO parents or caregivers are permitted at the bedside at a time.

Visitors

A maximum of TWO people are permitted at the bedside at a time.

Exceptions to these rules

We recognize that some families (e.g., people with disabilities) require additional support to help the patients, parents or caregivers. If you are coming to Emergency, please discuss your need for an exception upon arrival at CHEO Emergency. If you are staying as an inpatient, please discuss this with your care team.

Who can't enter

Parents and caregivers who do not pass the entrance screening.

It is important to us that your child or youth receives the care they need. If you require an exception to any of our caregiver/visitor policies to ensure that your child/youth can access care, please contact a member of your care team or reach out to CHEO's Patient Experience team (experience@cheo.on.ca or 613-737-7600 ext. 3078).

Self-screen for illnesses including measles, cold and flu

To make sure we are always putting safety first and minimizing any chance of transmission of infections, please use our quick and confidential illness self-screening tool if you have symptoms or may have been exposed to viral illnesses like cold, COVID, flu or measles.

It will guide you on what to do next and help keep everyone at CHEO safe.

Illness self-screening form

Where to enter

All children, youth, parents/caregivers and visitors must enter through the Main Entrance unless you are seeking care from our Emergency Department. Other entrances are closed.

Frequently asked questions about coming to CHEO

What is the difference between a parent/caregiver and a visitor

Parent/caregiver: Someone who is over 12 years old and helps a child or youth with activities of daily living – e.g., parent, grandparent, older sibling, legal guardian, etc. A parent/caregiver can be designated by a patient. A parent/caregiver is never considered a visitor because they are a vital part of the care team.

Visitor: Someone who is part of a child's or youth’s family or support network (e.g., sibling, extended family member, friend, etc.) but not a designated parent or caregiver.

Will I be required to wear a face mask while at CHEO?

Visit our Masking at CHEO page for up-to-date information:

Face masks at CHEO

Media contact

media@cheo.on.ca

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.