Support for Parents

CHI supports parents before, during

and after a child's hospital stay.

CHI office:

Children in Hospital Ireland works with families on any difficulties or concerns they may have before, during and after a child's stay in hospital. We have many years experience working with parents and we know how difficult a child's hospitalisation is for all the family.

We advise and inform on how to prepare children for hospital from our office - we welcome your queries and will do our utmost to help you. For support, please contact Mary O'Connor in the CHI office on Locall 1890 25 26 82 or email info@childreninhospital.ie

In hospital:

Volunteers from CHI's PlayWell service are on hand in 20 hospitals to entertain and reassure your child and allow you to take some time for a coffee, shower or a short nap. All our volunteers are vetted and trained, and have a genuine passion for their work. They offer a high quality service and you can be assured that they will do their best to help you and your child. Learn more about the PlayWell service

Online:

Please have a look at our blog and share your experience with other parents and health professionals!

What parents say about our services…

"We were absolutely thrilled to see the children's play area..My 2 children are extremely active and have a tendency to run about...The play area has meant that I could leave my little daughter in the very capable and trustworthy hands of the Children in Hospital Volunteers. This gave me and the entire waiting room great peace and let me concentrate on the task in hand - my little boy's eyes.  Alex from Co Dublin.

"My 6 year old daughter had a brief stay recently for a broken arm operation and was delighted with the playroom provided. The volunteers were fantastic, their focus on the children and the warmth they show them was wonderful to see. Hospital can obviously be very stressful for both children and parents and the medical staff don't have the resources to spend a lot of time with them. Your volunteers fill that gap superbly. If there was a little more of that kindness practised in the outside world what a better place it would be".  Sean from Cork.

"My 2yr old daughter had an appointment in Outpatients yesterday. I had been dreading it as I remember her appointment last year and what a nightmare it was trying to keep her amused for several hours in the waiting room. Yesterday, however, was a different story. There were 2 lovely ladies there organising activities...It was really great and made such a difference to us - it is a fantastic service and must be brilliant for parents who have to visit the hospital regularly." Helena from Dublin . 

I would like to acknowledge our gratitude to the CHI volunteers for their time and efforts in helping the sick children at the hospital. Their kindness and care with the children alleviates a lot of the stress that children and their families experience during their stay in hospital. For many years, CHI volunteers have made this hospital a happier place for children. Director of Nursing, Children's Hospital.

CHI's Publications for parents

Over the years, CHI has published informative and supportive publications and carried out major research and published reports. For a full list please go to CHI Publications.