Services
CHI provides five major services:
Volunteer Hospital Play Schemes
Since its formation, CHI has been involved in the setting up, running and equipping of hospital play schemes nationally. These play schemes are staffed by volunteers who are recruited, trained, vetted and placed by Children in Hospital Ireland. Play is provided in morning, afternoon and evening sessions, five to six days a week, and in most of the hospitals around the country that treat child patients.
The play schemes form an essential part of a child's hospital care and are considered invaluable by the hospitals where they operate.
Recruitment, training, placement of volunteers and the provision of ongoing support is administered and provided by the organisation's volunteer support staff.
Learn more about opportunities to volunteer with CHI.
Support and Advice Service
Children in Hospital Ireland offers a supportive advisory phone, postal and e-mail service for parents and carers of sick children. This service, which is available to professionals as well as parents, can be accessed by contacting our office.
In 1999, the organisation set up its first permanent information desk in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. The JustAsk help desk is run by trained volunteers who are on hand to provide practical assistance to parents, children, visitors and hospital staff. They supply information on services available in the locality, hospital facilities and data on chronic illness support groups.
Consultation and Advocacy Service
Children in Hospital Ireland has initiated discussions and worked with hospitals, the Department of Health and Children, and the public - particularly the parents of sick children - to effect change through education on the needs of the hospitalised child. The organisation participates in relevant consultation processes and regularly makes submissions to inform development of services, policy and legislation.
Health Professionals
Since it's foundation in 1970, CHI has worked collaboratively with health professionals and policy makers to promote the welfare of all sick children by drawing attention to their special needs for emotional security. For more detailed information on the work, check out our For Professionals section.
Education
As part of an ongoing education programme, CHI regularly provides lectures to medical and nursing personnel, postgraduate student groups and to practitioners. The lectures provide a range of information and advice about the needs of children when in hospital.
Our education programme, presented by trained members of Children in Hospital Ireland, is available to second- and third-level schools and colleges.
The organisation also regularly attends and presents at conferences and meetings.
Informing parents and the parents of the future is central to the work of CHI and the organisation is currently expanding the service to be able to give more talks and lectures.
If you would like us to give a talk or a lecture please contact us.
