Disturbing trend of infants coming to CHEO with head trauma

Indicates parents and caregivers need more support during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ottawa, ON – January 28, 2021 – In collaboration with the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health, CHEO is raising awareness of a disturbing trend. Since September, CHEO has seen more than twice as many infants (children under 1 year) for maltreatment concerns, specifically fractures and head trauma. Our community needs to be aware. 

“In my 16 years at CHEO, I have never seen this many infants with serious maltreatment injuries,” said Dr. Michelle Ward, pediatrician and Medical Director for Child and Youth Protection at CHEO. “It’s a stressful time for parents and caregivers. We all know it takes a village to raise a child. With staying at home during the pandemic, it can feel like the village is gone – be reassured, it’s not.”

The number of infants with fractures and/or head injuries for the period from Sept. 2019 to Jan. 2020 was eight. That number rose to 20 for the period from Sept. 2020 to Jan. 2021. 

Many community resources and support services are listed at Parenting in Ottawa and Ottawa Public Health. 

Should you have concerns for the safety or well-being of a child, or if you are a caregiver who requires support to keep your child safe, please call 613-747-7800.

“Parenting is hard. And it’s normal for parents to feel overwhelmed sometimes. But serious injuries can happen in just a few seconds of frustration. So if you or someone you know needs help, please reach out so our community can wrap around those in need,” continued Ward.

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