Children in Hospital Ireland

Children in Hospital Ireland (CIH Ireland) is a national organisation established in 1970 by parents to promote a positive hospital experience for all children and families.

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With more than 350 volunteers across 15 hospitals nationwide, CIH Ireland facilitates play and recreation opportunities, thereby easing the experience of hospitalisation for children and their families. In addition, CIH has a team of volunteers providing a welcoming and wayfinding service in CHI at Crumlin. CIH also provides information to families and advocates on behalf of all children and their families to ensure they have access to the supports and services they need, before, during and after hospitalisation.

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Children In Hospital Ireland is the one-stop shop for supporting children and families through every stage of the hospital journey, before, during, and after care. Through its nationwide network of volunteers and services, it combines practical information, emotional support, advocacy, and play-based programmes to ensure that children experience hospital in a more positive and less stressful way. From its Information Hub and family guidance resources to its in-hospital play services and advocacy work, the organisation brings together everything parents and children need in one place, helping to reduce anxiety, promote wellbeing, and ensure every child’s rights and needs are respected throughout their healthcare experience.

Health Service Executive

The Health Service Executive (HSE), through its website hse.ie, is Ireland’s public health and social care provider. It is responsible for delivering a wide range of services to people across the country, including hospital care, primary and community care, mental health supports, services for older people and those with disabilities, as well as public health initiatives like vaccinations and screening programmes. The HSE also provides health information and advice to the public, manages schemes such as medical cards and drug payment supports, and works to improve healthcare quality and access nationwide. It is funded by the Irish government and employs a large workforce of healthcare professionals and support staff to deliver care at every stage of life.