Children in Hospital Ireland is a national non-profit organisation committed to promoting and ensuring the welfare of all children in hospital and their families. In 1969 the Irish Preparatory Committee of the Organisation Mondiele pour L’education Pre-scolaire (O.M.E.P) carried out a survey of the 24 Dublin hospitals, with a view to finding out whether the emotional and educational needs of children were adequately looked after in Irish Hospitals. The results of the survey were presented to a meeting in Temple Street Children’s Hospital on October 23rd 1969 and the report of this meeting published in the Irish Times was followed by a growing correspondence between a number of people who were interested in forming an association to promote the welfare of children in hospital.
Our History
Since 1970, CHI’s team of staff, supporters and volunteers have been playing 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 matters.
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 (Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital Ireland). Within a short period of time, the new charity set up a national program of arts and crafts and play for 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….