COVID-19

We are cancelling all non-urgent appointments (including MRIs/medical imaging) and surgeries into April. Urgent appointments may be done virtually, by telephone or video. If there are any changes to your currently scheduled appointment, procedure or surgery, we will contact you. When we are able to return to normal activity, we will work with you to reschedule cancelled appointments, procedures and surgeries for a later date.

We are continuously assessing the safety of kids and families and may continue with these cancellations as needed. We understand this is inconvenient, but it is an important precaution to ensure everyone's safety. These cancellations are not only to protect your child but to ensure that CHEO has the resources available to care for children who may become ill and need urgent care

Is it safe to bring personal items for my child's appointment or stay at CHEO?

Yes it is safe to bring personal items for your child's appointment or stay. However we ask that you only bring as few items as possible — only the items you need — and wash or disinfect them before and after to prevent the spread of infection. This is especially important if you are coming for a clinic appointment or to our Emergency Department.

What do I do if my child or youth has an existing health condition or has complex care needs?

Should I come in for my scheduled volunteer shift?

After careful consideration, we have decided to cancel all volunteer shifts at CHEO (including off-site locations and the treatment centre), effective immediately.

Our volunteers give so much back and provide such wonderful energy and compassion. We are grateful for your generous donation of time and positive energy. We look forward to seeing you all back again soon.

Visit our volunteer page to learn more and find the latest updates.

What is CHEO doing to screen and protect patients?

CHEO staff are actively screening all patients and visitors. Recent travel history or exposure to sick travellers, along with new symptoms of illness, help us quickly identify children and youth who may have the virus. Any patient who screens positive for possible exposure to the virus will be placed on additional precautions and evaluated further to determine if testing is required.

Our Infection Prevention and Control team is in close contact with Ottawa Public Health and other agencies to help guide decision-making and receive updates on the virus.

My child or youth needs to come to the CHEO Emergency Department. What should I do?

When you arrive at the Emergency Department, please:

• wash your hands with hand sanitizer.

If your child or youth is experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19:

• put on masks when you arrive
• Let the screeners know about their symptoms and recent travel history, including travel of those close to them.

What amenites and accommodations are available to caregivers at CHEO?

To prevent the spread of infection and keep kids, caregivers and staff safe, we have had to limit some of the amenities available at CHEO right now. Our Ronald McDonald Family Lounges are currently closed.

Computer and internet access

Wireless internet is available free of charge. Simply open your laptop or mobile device and select “CHEO_Guest” from the list of networks. Then click “Connect.” Before doing so, please familiarize yourself with our terms of use.

Computers in the Ronald McDonald Family Room and Family Resource Library are currently unavailable. Please use your own devices.

Food services

CHEO’s Oasis Cafe and Rainbow Cafeteria are to be open to kids, caregivers and staff. Please follow social distancing while in these areas!

We also offer room delivery to kids and caregivers on our inpatient units, including those in isolation. Please ask your care team or our cafe staff for a menu.

KidCare Pharmacy offers delivery and drive-thru services

CHEO’s KidCare Pharmacy now delivers prescription packages to inpatient nursing stations and the Emergency Department, as well as to customers outside the Main Entrance.

• For delivery inside CHEO: A nurse simply calls extension 6037 with an order.  The nurse who places the order will receive the package at the nursing station.)
• For pick-up at the Main Entrance: Call KidCare Pharmacy at 613-737-2316. Once your prescription is ready, KidCare alerts you and you simply drive up to the Main Entrance, where a friendly KidCare delivery person runs your prescription package out to the trunk of their car.

Sleep rooms and accomodations

Our sleep rooms are currently closed. If you want to stay overnight with your child, there are sleep beds available in each inpatient room. Only one caregiver can be on-site at a time.

ROTEL is not currently accepting new guests. If your family is from out of town and needs accommodations, there are a number of nearby places that offer discounted rates for families travelling for medical care:

• Travelodge East

• Holiday Inn East (not accepting those with respiratory viruses)

• YMCA. Please call 311 and speak to a crisis worker to receive a referral.

Showers

We have two showers available for family caregivers who are staying at CHEO. To access them, call 613-737-7600 extension 6705. Towels are provided.

Laundry services

The laundry machines in the Ronald McDonald Family Room are currently closed. If you need laundry services, Maple Laundromart on St. Laurent blvd offers services to CHEO families, including pick-up and drop-off for larger loads. Please contact them for pricing information or to arrange for services.

Multi-faith prayer room

Our multi-faith prayer room is still open. If you’re planning to use the multi-faith prayer room, please:

• wash your hands with soap and water, or hand sanitizer, before and after using the room,

• do not use the room if another family is already using it.

Can I still pay my hospital bills in person?

Until further notice, families will not be able to pay bills in person at the cashier window. Instead, please pay your bills online using our online form.

If you have any questions, or troubles accessing the online form, please call our Finance office at 613-737-7600, extension 2242.

What can I do to prepare?

Get ready

Should you become ill, you would likely need to stay home to limit the spread:

• Gradually stock up on supplies and non-perishable foods over the next few weeks. Be considerate of how much you actually need to buy.
• Make plans for your children or other dependents in case you become ill.
• Make preparations with your employer and discuss work-fromhome arrangements.
• Stock up on cleaning supplies, hand soap, hand sanitizer, bleach and nitrate/latex gloves.
• Stock up on supplies for your pets

Fill prescriptions

Fill prescriptions and stock up over-thecounter medications:

• Be considerate of how much you actually need to buy.
• Don’t wait to fill essential prescriptions.
• Fill prescriptions for an extra month, if you’re able.
• Purchase pain and fever medicine (Ibuprofen and acetaminophen).

Limit the spread of germs

Adopt good personal hygiene, and avoid others if you become sick:

• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your arm, not your hand.
• Stay home if you are sick. Do not visit people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick.
• Get your flu shot. By protecting yourself from the flu, you can ease the burden on the healthcare system and protect others.

View Ottawa Public Health's full resource for tips on food, medications and more to have with you.

How long should I refill my prescriptions for?

Our KidCare Pharmacy is still open regular business hours. Your commonly prescribed medications will continue to be available, so you only need to keep a few weeks worth of your medications on hand. Please be considerate of how much you actually need, and avoid ordering more than a month's worth of your prescription.

To make sure you continue to have access to your prescriptions, CHEO's KidCare Pharmacy is:

• honouring refills for up to a month's supply.
• offering free home delivery, delivery to a CHEO unit (for inpatients) or curb-side pick-up.

Should my child continue to get their routine vaccines on schedule?

Yes! All routine and toddler immunizations should continue as scheduled. This is one more way you can
keep your child safe and prevent another virus. Please call your family physician to see if they are
scheduling specific times for young or vulnerable populations to get their vaccines.

 I've heard that you shouldn't take ibuprofen if you have COVID-19, is this true?

Right now, the reports that ibuprofen can worsen symptoms in patients with COVID-19 are not verified. Our pharmacy recommends that patients diagnosed with COVID-19 continue to manage their fever and pain with either acetaminophen or ibuprofen as usual. Please always speak with your doctor or pharmacist when seeking advice on medications.

We are monitoring the situation and will update these recommendations if new information or guidance is shared.