Parent/caregiver presence policy:
When parents and caregivers come with their children and youth to CHEO, they’re not visiting. They are actively working as part of their child’s care team, providing us with vital health information only they would know and giving emotional support in a way only a parent or caregiver can.
In order to help keep everyone safe and minimize the chance of transmission of infections during this pandemic, family caregivers will be screened before entering CHEO's main campus, and will not be allowed to enter if they are sick. All children, youth and family caregivers must enter through the main entrance for clinic visits, or the Emergency Department in urgent cases. Other entrances are closed.
Until further notice and effective immediately:
- To limit the number of people in the building, ONE parent/caregiver will be allowed to accompany children and youth while at CHEO, whether in clinic, the Surgical Day Unit or the emergency department.
- Children and youth who are admitted as inpatients may have TWO designated parents or caregivers present during the day and overnight. Only those who have been screened daily will be permitted at the bedside.
- Siblings who are not designated caregivers are not permitted. We appreciate that this requires you to make childcare arrangements for any siblings, and we are so thankful for your support in doing so.
- For some outpatients and their caregivers (e.g. persons with disabilities), a second essential support person may be allowed to aid patients and care teams. For patients and caregivers who require additional support, please contact your clinical area to determine if an exception to ONE parent or caregiver at a time can be granted. For Emergency Department (ED) visits, please discuss your need for an exception on arrival to the ED.
Given the seriousness of this pandemic, it is important that designated caregivers refrain from coming to CHEO if they are feeling unwell or displaying symptoms such as fever or cough. Rest assured, CHEO will find extra support for your child if you are unable to be onsite due to sickness.
Caregiver screening
Everyone is carefully screened when they come to CHEO — this includes all children, youth, caregivers, staff and medical staff.
Caregivers can now complete a self-screen online before coming to CHEO. This will make it easier and quicker to get to your families appointment or visit your child who is staying as an inpatient. Once you complete the screening, follow the instructions that will be sent to you by email. You will show your confirmation email to our staff validators at the entrance.
Learn more about what to expect when you come to CHEO.
Here are some other things you should be aware of:
Allergy alert! |
| Some of our children, youth and staff have severe allergies, so please remember:
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Preventing the spread of infection |
| We want to make sure our children and youth get well quickly. Visitors can help us by:
We have increased safety precautions in place during COVID-19. Visit our COVID-19 page to learn more. |
Searching for restricted items |
| There are times when we need to check patients for things that could cause harm to themselves or others. We do this when we feel a search is needed, to keep everyone at CHEO safe. Restricted items can be any personal belonging that could harm a patient or someone else. Learn more about a restricted items search. |
Smoking on our property |
| Ontario's hospitals are smoke-free zones — including hospital grounds. Provincial Tobacco Control Officers patrol hospital grounds to ensure the province's no-smoking laws are being followed. Anyone caught smoking on hospital property will be ticketed and could be fined up to $5,000. To smoke, you must leave hospital property. We also ask that you respect others and don't litter. Keep in mind:
If you are ready to quit smoking, the City of Ottawa offers resources to help. |