Here’s what families need to know
Young people are always welcome in the Emergency Departments of non-pediatric hospitals in the area. According to a directive issued by Ontario Health, all youth aged 16+ who require emergency care or admission to an inpatient unit will be redirected to other acute care hospitals in the region, such as The Ottawa Hospital, Queensway Carleton Hospital or Hôpital Montfort . Our teams are ready and willing to provide this care. CHEO clinicians are available to support all area hospitals on a case-by-case basis as needed. The directive does not apply to: youth with eating disorders young person who has been sexually assaulted youth already being followed by CHEO for chronic conditions.
Caring for 16- and 17-year-olds is nothing new for the region’s adult hospitals. It has happened in the past on a case-by-case basis. In addition, the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Center will continue to work with CHEO as well as adult hospitals to provide specialized mental health services for 16 to 18-year-olds. The surge is due to an early and severe respiratory viral period. And in that, we’d like to join CHEO in calling on everyone to do what they can to reduce the spread of these viral diseases in our community. Here are ways Ottawa residents can help:
Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, including schools Stay home when you are sick Wash your hands, often Get all the vaccines you’re eligible for, including COVID-19 and flu
Helpful health resources to consider for non-urgent care Media Contacts: Director: Chris Vallee, [email protected] Montfort: Geneviève Picard, [email protected] Queensway Carleton Hospital: Kelly Spence, [email protected] The Ottawa Hospital: Rebecca Abelson, [email protected] The Royal: Karen Monaghan, [email protected] The University of Ottawa Heart Institute: Leigh B. Morris, [email protected]
