About Children in Hospital Ireland
Children in Hospital Ireland is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting and ensuring the welfare of all children in hospital and their families. For 40 years, the organisation has been directly working with sick children to bring them fun and support. CHI uses its expertise to deliver unique daily and weekly play sessions that support child patients, parents and staff in 20 hospital wards and playrooms nationwide.
Did you know?
- Each year in Ireland there are, on average, over 270,000 hospital visits by children!
- For over 100,000 this means an average of a 3 night stay.
- Every year, 75,000 child inpatients are under 4 years of age and almost all are admitted through A&E - an unexpected and unplanned visit.
Children need special care in hospitals
Children are particularly vulnerable, both physically and emotionally. For them, being in hospital can be a source of anxiety and fear, especially if they are unexpectedly separated from their family. Along with having to cope with illness, this difficult experience can affect their normal growth and development.
CHI is at the forefront:
- To promote the welfare of sick children by drawing attention to their special needs for emotional security
- To advocate on behalf of all sick children
- To support and help parents before, during and after their child's stay in hospital
- To increase the awareness of policy makers as to the special needs of sick children
- To organise hospital playschemes with the help of a group of marvellous volunteers
By browsing through our website, you will learn about all aspects of our work and the services we provide.
If you would like more detailed or specific information about any aspect of our work and services, please contact our dedicated team.
CHI is a registered charity (charity no. 6632) and is a company limited by guarantee.
