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With over 20% of Canadians being born outside Canada and a continued plan to welcome over 300 000 permanent residents every year, newcomers represent an increasing proportion of our population. Their particular needs and vulnerabilities are frequently underappreciated as an important social determinant of health. During the pandemic their challenges have been even more apparent as their usual supports to integration suddenly closed, and health risks increased. In 2016, Ottawa welcomed a large number of Syrian refugee families, many of whom were prioritized for resettlement due to a child with high medical needs. The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) was challenged to rethink the way services were provided in order to assure an equitable experience for these vulnerable patients and families. Over the past four years, CHEO has pivoted from a pilot approach of a Syrian refugee navigator, to a newcomer navigator, to their current model of a health equity coordinator position. In this session, speakers Christina Kouri (BSCN, MHA) Manager, Health Equity and Diversity, CHEO and Suelana Taha, Health Equity Coordinator, CHEO, describe this hospital’s learnings, approach and evaluation to ensure the challenges of newcomers are recognized and mitigated. The session will outline how the health and well-being of this vulnerable population was optimized through a focus on hospital skills and resources and forging a strong partnership in the settlement sector.