Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for CHEO's Emergency Department. In general, pediatric emergency departments tend to be less busy in the early morning hours (between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.) on weekdays. For non-urgent concerns, checking real-time wait times before leaving home can help you plan your visit.

Busier times: Evenings, weekends, and holidays typically see higher volumes at pediatric emergency departments across Canada. After-school hours (3 p.m. to 8 p.m.) are often among the busiest periods. If your child's condition allows, arriving earlier in the day on a weekday may mean shorter waits.

About Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario

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.

Amenities

• Cafeteria
• Pharmacy
• Gift shop
• Guest Wi-Fi
• ATM / cash machines
• Prayer room
• Family Resource Library
• Social Work and Mental Health Intake Office
• Payphones
• Family lounges
• Nearby accommodations

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 16 walk-in clinics in Ottawa →

Pharmacists in Ontario can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• 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

About ER Wait Times

Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.

Wait times are estimates based on Ontario health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.