Reading List

Reading List for Parents

CHI has produced a number of leaflets, booklets and research reports that can be accessed from the CHI Publications. Some are downloadable and all can be obtained from the CHI office.

CHI Publications -

CHI Research Reports

• Play Facilities for Child Patients in Irish Hospitals (1993)
• Children Being Cared for in Adult Wards (1999)
• Sick Children, Money Worries - the cost of having a child in hospital (2004)

For Children

• Liza's Lamb, a children's novel by Margrit Cruikshank (1995)

DVD

• The Best Medicine (1990). This covers the admission of two children to hospital - one planned, the other an emergency. The DVD highlights the importance of preparation for hospital.

 

 

The following general publications may be of help to parents of hospitalised children.

They can be obtained from bookshops and libraries throughout the country.

 

Supporting Sick Children and Their Families

(Paperback)

by Penny Cook, Harcourt Publishers Ltd

Description

This practical, sensitive and supportive book has been written by a highly experienced Family Liaison Officer in child health and provides comprehensive guidance relating to the provision of emotional, psychological and spiritual support for sick children and their families. In addition to covering the practical and underlying theoretical approaches to counselling - using illustrative reflective scenarios - the book explores defence mechanisms and coping strategies, with some chapters focussing on the range of emotions that a child and their family members may express or feel.

 

Play for Sick Children

Play Specialists in Hospitals and Beyond (Paperback)

by Catherine Hubbuck, Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Description

Play for Sick Children offers a unique insight into the crucial work of the play specialist. It examines the repercussions of being ill and receiving treatment, as experienced by children and their families. The book highlights the importance of receiving quality play opportunities to counter negative effects. The author proposes that play should be a high priority for those working in hospitals and other healthcare settings, and challenges other professionals to acknowledge, understand, accept and value the play specialist's role within a multidisciplinary team.

 

Children in Hospital

(Oxford Medical Publications)

by Richard Lansdown

Description

This study provides an introduction to the everyday life and emotional needs of hospitalized children, their families and hospital staff. Although written primarily for professionals working in a paediatric setting, it has much relevance for parents as well. It combines a review of research literature with the personal experience of the author, who has been associated with one of the world's leading children's hospitals for more than 20 years. After an opening historical section, there are chapters on what children understand about their illness and treatment; play; pain; dealing with life-threatening conditions; dealing with stress in patients, families and medical staff; and ethical and legal issues.

 

 

When Your Child Is Sick - What You Can Do To Help

(Newleaf)

By Professor Alf Nicholson and Grainne O'Malley

Description

This is an invaluable handbook that takes the panic out of children's illnesses by giving parents and carers greater confidence in helping their sick child. When illness strikes you can turn quickly to the relevant information at a glance. It will help you know when and how to deal with the situation at home and when to call for help.

 

 

Check Up Children: Irish Guide to Good Health in Childhood

(Paperback)

by Siobhan Cleary

Description

20 Irish medical experts explain in simple terms what happens when a child is ill, how to recognise the signs and symptoms of illness, and how best to help.

 

Living with a Sick Child in Hospital

(Chapman & Hall)

By Philip Darbyshire

This research explores the complex pressures of a child's hospitalisation and the relationship between the parents and nurses.

 

Child Development

An Illustrated Guide 2nd edition (Paperback)

by Carolyn Meggitt, Heinemann Educational Publishers

Description

This guide enables you to build up a picture of a child's progress throughout their development. It can reassure you that a child is developing normally or allow you to identify a child who, for some reason, may not be following developmental milestones.

 

 

Books you can read to your child

Going to Hospital

(The Big Day)

by Nicola Barber (Author)

Description

This series is primarily aimed at young children from 5-years-old and is focused on helping them to explore the potentially daunting feelings evoked by change and transition. The books aim to offer a reassuring introduction to change and use simple and uncomplicated sentences written in the third person. The series is aimed at children and can be used as a support for teachers and parents. The books focus on normal life adjustments such as the arrival of a new baby to the family or the first day at a school. They encourage the development of each reader's literacy and allow children to explore their feelings and to communicate them.

 

 

At the Hospital

(Helping Hands)

by Chris Fairclough, Hachette Children's Books

Description

This series introduces young children to the jobs people do to help others. Each title explains what the job involves, whether a uniform is worn, what equipment is used and how the person works as part of a team.

You can also have a look at our reading list for children.