A Brief Reading List for Professionals

 

The EACH Charter for Children in Hospital

Children in Hospital Ireland promotes the implementation of the EACH Charter for children in hospital and is working to have its articles incorporated into health legislation. The publication has been distributed to all hospitals with child patients throughout the country. The text can be downloaded from the website and it can be purchased in booklet form through the shop.

Guidelines for the Care of Children with Special Needs in Hospital

These guidelines - prepared in consultation with voluntary organisations that represent the views of parents and professional bodies - are to help all those who care for children with special needs in hospitals, institutions and care centres. They also aim to help improve the quality of any stay in hospital for children whose special needs include a variety of sensory, physical and intellectual disabilities, together with long-term conditions.

Because children with special needs can be admitted to hospital for reasons other than their primary disorder, the needs of their underlying condition should be considered without diverting priority from their presenting. It is recommended that these guidelines be used in conjunction with the EACH Charter for Children in Hospital and CHI's Outline Guide: Provision of Healthcare Services for Children and Adolescents.

The Hospital PlayLink - Play in Hospital Everywhere!

This offers practical suggestions to assist hospital staff working with children in a variety of settings. It has been compiled by the Irish Association of Hospital Play Staff and CHI. It is also covered under "Help Children Play" page. 

Children Being Cared for in Adult Wards

An issue of concern to CHI for many years. This report identified the extent of the practice and how it impacts on child patients up to the age of 18 years.

Sick Children, Money Worries (2004)

This research-based report highlights serious financial and other strains experienced by many parents, resulting from their children's hospitalisation. The research, commissioned by CHI, was carried out by Eithne Fitzgerald of Allwrite Social and Economic Research and funded by Combat Poverty.

Informative and Educational Leaflets

CHI has produced a range of informative and educational leaflets for parents.

 

CHI Advocacy - Submission on issues relating to sick children

See under Advocacy in About CHI

 

Government Publications

The National Health Strategy

 

The National Children Strategy

 

The National Play Policy

 

The National Recreation Policy

 

The Mental Health Strategy

 

Government National Reports on the Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

 

Other Publications of Interest

Growing up in Ireland - the National Longitudinal Study: Various regular reports

 

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

 

Shadow Report on the Implementation of the UNCRC (all published by the Children's Rights Alliance)

 

You can access a full list of CHI research and reports in the CHI Publications section.

 

 

Supporting Sick Children and Their Families

(Paperback)

by Penny Cook RSCN Cert Couns

Description

This practical, sensitive and supportive book, written by a highly experienced family liaison officer in child health

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 - with 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

Description

Play for Sick Children offers a unique insight into the crucial work of the play specialist. It examines the repercussions for children and their families of being ill and receiving treatment. It highlights the importance of receiving quality play opportunities to counter these 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 the multidisciplinary team.