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Back to SearchOttawa – May 4, 2023 – Continually aiming to remove barriers for children and youth, as well as families, visitors and staff of all abilities, CHEO is proud to open a new universal washroom at its main building on Smyth Road. Located on Level 1, a few feet away from the elevators, this 150-square-foot washroom was built to be accessible to individuals with mobility devices. It is also gender inclusive and was designed to provide ample space for everyone.
This new space is in response to feedback from families of children and youth with complex needs. It was made possible through donations to the CHEO Foundation and by the Kim McLeod Accessibility Fund, in honour of Kim McLeod who was a tireless advocate for children and youth with complex needs.
The new universal washroom includes: 
- An adult-sized changing table;
- A ceiling-mounted lift system that electrically hoists and moves a person 360 degrees around the room, from the changing table to the toilet, to the sink and to the door:
- The lift can support the size and weight of children and adults (up to 600 lbs);
- Disposable slings are available upon request for families who need one.
- A mechanism that ensures dignity and privacy as it signals when the washroom is in use;
- Emergency call buttons beside the toilet and changing table for anyone needing assistance.
“Our infrastructure was built almost 50 years ago and was not planned for the needs of everyone. Today, we must take action to remove barriers for families and our kids,” said Alex Munter, CHEO President and CEO. “We’re grateful for the feedback and patience of our families and proud of this new space at CHEO.”
This is CHEO’s second washroom to include a lift. The other lift was added in 2021 and is located on the main floor.
These initiatives are the latest improvements as part of CHEO's broader accessibility plan, developed in partnership with families.
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Media contact
media@cheo.on.ca
About CHEO
Based in Canada’s capital, CHEO is a globally renowned health institution with a mission to provide exceptional care and support to children, youth and their families. Opening our doors in 1974, we offer a full range of specialized pediatric care and services to children from eastern and northern Ontario, western Quebec and Nunavut. Our site is home to a hospital, a children’s treatment centre, a school, a research institute, and is affiliated with the University of Ottawa as an academic health science centre. Named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024, we are home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives.