Eastern Ontario’s major pediatric hospital says it’s resumed treating older teens now that a surge in respiratory illnesses is stabilizing.
CHEO says it’s providing emergency and inpatient care to all 16- and 17-year-olds again after diverting them to adult hospitals in the Ottawa area in November amid unprecedented pressures.
It’s the latest sign that the situation in pediatric hospitals is improving and comes as Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children is ramping up surgeries this week.
SickKids says it has seen the number of patients stabilize to volumes usually seen this time of year.
CHEO cut back on surgeries and redeployed staff in the fall to deal with heavy pressures on its intensive care unit and emergency department.
In December, it brought in two teams from the Canadian Red Cross to support hospital staff as they dealt with the surge.