FOR PARENTS
Children in Hospital Ireland works with families to guide them through difficulties or concerns they may have
FOR CHILDREN
Hospital is a different world, full of new people, smells and sounds. CHI volunteers will help ease this transition
FOR PROFESSIONALS
CHI works collaboratively with health professionals and policy makers to promote the welfare of all sick children.
FOR VOLUNTEERS
The importance of play in the recovery of the hospitalised child is universally recognised. Volunteer today.
What is Children in Hospital Ireland (CHI)
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. For over 45 years the organisation has been directly working with sick children to bring them fun and support. CHI uses its expertise to deliver unique daily and weekly play sessions that support child patients, parents and staff in 13 hospital wards and playrooms nationwide.
Children need special care in hospitals
Children are particularly vulnerable, both physically and emotionally. Being in hospital can be a source of anxiety and fear, especially if children are unexpectedly separated from their family. Along with having to cope with illness, this difficult experience can affect their normal growth and development.
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….