History

Children in Hospital Ireland will be 40 in 2010!

Since its beginning and with the help of supporters and volunteers, CHI has played a major role in initiating and furthering changes in how children are cared for in Irish hospitals.

The CHI adventure started in 1969, when the Organisation Mondiale pour l'Education Pre-scolaire (the World Organisation for Pre-school Education) carried out a unique survey in 17 Dublin Hospitals and published a report on visiting hours, accommodation for parents, and educational and play facilities. The report brought to light a number of  important issues relating to these areas.

In response to this report, a group of parents of sick children gathered and started lobbying for the rights of all children to be cared for appropriately and with respect.

Together, they formed the first Irish organisation for the welfare of children in hospital (AWCH Ireland). Within a short period of time, the new charity set up a national program of arts and crafts and play for the children in hospital. They also raised the awareness that child patients have specific emotional needs. At the time, very few hospitals recognised the importance of play for children or had appropriate facilities, furniture or specific training for health professionals.

Interest in the organisation was growing fast and many people, including Mr Erskine Childers - then Minister for Health, supported its work.

In 1973, the organisation introduced for the first time in Ireland a charter for the care of all sick children. In 1988 the organisation, in collaboration with its European colleagues, adopted the European Charter for Children in Hospital - the EACH charter.

Our voluntary organisation is now called Children in Hospital Ireland (CHI) and has extended its services to become one of Ireland's leading children's charities.

CHI has published a series of information leaflets and booklets and comprehensive reports, to help support and inform parents, health professionals and policy makers about the rights and needs of sick children.

CHI has also contributed to the creation and operation of hospital playrooms and play areas in many Irish hospitals.

Today CHI is still actively lobbying for the welfare of all sick children and their families. There are still a lot to do, so join us to make hospital a happier place for children!