Record-high numbers of emergency room visits at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario has led to shortages of in-patient beds and the cancellation of some elective surgeries.

Hospital officials say they've had to cancel 27 surgeries so far this year because of the bed shortage. In an average year, the hospital has to cancel 10 to 15 surgeries.

Last year, 25 surgeries were cancelled because of bed shortages, which were compounded by H1N1.

This winter has resulted in the hospital's busiest-ever peak season, and the hospital fears the situation may be becoming the "new normal."

Hospital officials say there are more and more kids coming to the emergency room with flu and other viral symptoms.

Although CHEO generally sees an increase of patients at this time of year, officials say visits to the emergency room are up 25 per cent in March, compared to the same time last year.

So far, there have been more than 15,000 patient visits to the emergency room this year. That number is up 20 per cent.

The emergency department has also seen a spike in the number of children visiting the ER because of their mental health. The hospital calls the situation "an unusually high number of visits".

Mental health visits to the ER have increased 25 per cent over the same period last year. It's a 65 per cent increase over the year before.

The number of more serious cases requiring psychiatric consultations has increased 88 per cent.

CHEO asks families to use the following guidelines to determine if they should bring their child to the emergency room. Your child should visit the emergency room if he or she experiences:

  • Difficulty breathing (for example: breathing faster than normal; having whitish or bluish lips; coughing excessively, choking or breathing irregularly).
  • A fever over 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, if they are under three months of age.
  • A fever and is difficult to wake up or is very sleepy.
  • Diarrhea, vomiting and has no tears, a very dry mouth, and has not urinated at least two or three times over the last 24 hours.
  • A rash that does not turn white when you push on it.
  • An injury where it is suspected that a bone may be broken or stitches are required. A change in level of consciousness due to injury, infection or other causes
  • If you worry that your child or teen may cause significant harm to themselves or to others.

The hospital asks families to visit their family doctor or pediatrician for all cases that are not emergencies. Families can also use the following resources:

  • Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000.
  • QuebecCLSC: 8-1-1, during the daytime. After hours, listen to the recording for directions, which give a telephone number to call in the Outaouais region.
  • The Child, Youth and Family Crisis Line for Eastern Ontario can be reached at 613-260-2360 in Ottawa or 1-877 377- 7775 for long distance toll free calls.