At CHEO, we work together to provide exceptional care so children and youth can live their best life. But we can't do it alone. As a parent or guardian, you have an important role to play in keeping your child — and all children, youth and staff at CHEO — safe.
Be a germ stopper
Getting an infection is never fun. And for children and youth with vulnerable health, an infection can be very serious.
- Stay home if you are sick! Spreading your germs at CHEO can make sick children and youth much sicker. Make sure sick visitors stay home too.
- Wash your own hands often, especially when entering or leaving your child's room. All health-care providers must wash their hands before touching your child or youth. It's OK to remind them if they forget!
- Follow isolation directions carefully if your child is placed in isolation.
- Get your flu shot during peak season.
Keep watch
It's critical that the right patient gets the right medication, test or treatment.
- Make sure your child or youth keeps their ID bracelet on during their inpatient stay. Health-care providers must check bracelets every time medications are given. Remind them if they forget!
- Bring your medications and supplements from home. Having the best information about medications is very important for your child's safety.
Speak up
As a parent or guardian, you are an important part of your child or youth's health-care team. And you need to know what's going on with their care.
- Ask questions. If you're unsure, or don't understand something, please let your health-care provider know.
- Know what medications your child or teen is taking.
- Let us know if something doesn't seem quite right to you.
Prevent falls
Cribs and beds can be high, and our floors are very hard. A fall from even a few feet can seriously injure a child.
- Stay within arm's reach of your child's bed or crib if the side rail is down.
- Put the side rails up if you are leaving your child's room.
- Report any spills or wet surfaces.
- Let staff know if you think your child is at risk of falling.
- Supervise your child in common areas and do not allow them to run in our hallways.
Call 4444 for help
You know your child or youth best. Call our SPOT team (Critical Care Response team) if you think your child's health is in danger and needs attention right away. The SPOT team will come quickly and work with your child's care team to help. Tell your health-care provider first if you think that your child or youth needs immediate attention.
- Dial 4444 from any hospital phone (or ask your provider to call) if you're still worried about your child or youth's condition.
- Ask the operator to page the SPOT team. Give your name, the name of your child or youth, and your location (unit and room number).
You can't call 911 from a CHEO phone.