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The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Emergency Department in Ottawa is a tertiary-level pediatric emergency centre serving children and youth from Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, parts of Northern Ontario, and Nunavut. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the ED is staffed by over 27 pediatric emergency medicine specialists and treats more than 70,000 patients annually across specialized zones including trauma and resuscitation, acute care, ambulatory care, mental health, and procedure rooms. Families seeking emergency care for infants, children, and adolescents — including complex medical conditions, mental health crises, and trauma — should come directly to CHEO.
Services & Specialties
Pediatric emergency medicine, Trauma and resuscitation, Mental health and psychiatric crisis care, Neonatal emergency care, Acute pediatric illness and injury, Ambulatory and fast-track emergency care, Point-of-care ultrasound, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Addiction and adolescent health, Chronic disease exacerbation management, Surgical services, Rehabilitation, Palliative care, Genetics, Autism support, Remote consultation and regional outreach.
CHEO is the designated pediatric tertiary care centre for the region — if your child has a serious or complex medical emergency, this is the right place to come rather than an adult hospital.
If your child's condition is not life-threatening, consider calling your family doctor or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) before heading to the ED, as many concerns can be managed without an emergency visit.
CHEO's campus is bilingual — all services are available in both English and French, so families can communicate in their preferred language.
Bring your child's health card (OHIP), any current medications in their original packaging, and a list of known allergies to help the care team assess your child quickly.
Parking at CHEO can fill up during peak hours; the Ring Road parking garage is the most convenient option, and accessible permit holders park free in designated spots near the main entrance.
If you are travelling from outside Ottawa — such as Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, Northern Ontario, or Nunavut — CHEO specialists may be able to provide remote consultation to your local hospital before transfer.
What to Bring
Ontario health card (OHIP card) or provincial/territorial health coverage documentation
List of current medications with dosages
List of known allergies (medications, food, environmental)
Previous medical records or specialist letters relevant to the current concern
Immunization records if visiting for a fever or infection concern
Comfort items for your child such as a favourite toy, blanket, or pacifier
Snacks and drinks for accompanying family members, as waits can be lengthy
Phone charger or portable battery pack to stay connected during your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CHEO's Emergency Department only treat children?
Yes. CHEO is dedicated exclusively to children and youth. The Emergency Department at 401 Smyth Road in Ottawa serves infants, children, and adolescents, and all physicians and staff are specialized in pediatric care. Adults requiring emergency care should visit an adult emergency department such as The Ottawa Hospital.
What regions does CHEO serve?
CHEO is the tertiary care pediatric referral centre for Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, parts of Northern Ontario, and Nunavut. Families travel from across this large catchment area to receive specialized care that may not be available at their local hospital.
Does CHEO have specialists available in the Emergency Department around the clock?
CHEO's Emergency Department is staffed 24/7 by a team that includes over 27 pediatric emergency medicine specialists, many of whom hold Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) certification in Pediatric Emergency Medicine, alongside physicians trained in pediatrics, family medicine, and emergency medicine.
Can CHEO treat mental health emergencies for children and youth?
Yes. CHEO's Emergency Department includes a dedicated mental health zone and treats children and youth experiencing psychiatric crises, mental health emergencies, and addiction concerns. CHEO also has an on-site Social Work and Mental Health Intake Office to support families.
Is CHEO accessible by public transit from downtown Ottawa?
Yes. OC Transpo Route 45 connects CHEO at 401 Smyth Road to Hurdman Station, which is a stop on the O-Train Confederation Line (Line 1). From Hurdman, passengers can reach downtown Ottawa and other parts of the city. Check octranspo.com for current schedules.
Are services at CHEO available in French?
Yes. CHEO operates as a fully bilingual hospital, providing all services in both English and French. Families in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and from francophone communities across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec can receive care in their preferred official language.