Children in Hospital Ireland has launched an independent report on its volunteer-led play service which supports children and young people in 15 hospitals nationwide. Each week, more than 400 CIH volunteers engage with families in hospital, helping to create fun and positive experiences for children, while giving parents a chance to take a much-needed break.
The independent evaluation carried out by Crowe, involved interviews with volunteers, parents, and hospital staff to better understand the unique value of CIH’s services within paediatric care.
Report findings include:
- 100% of parents noted the hospital play volunteers made a ‘difference’ to their child’s hospital visit with 84% of parents noting a ‘Significant Difference’.
- Parents consistently reported that the volunteers gave their child a positive, happy experience, that their child’s face lit up when they saw the volunteers, with some children calling the volunteers their friends.
- A hospital paediatric consultant reported on seeing children happily reading and playing with volunteers as a very positive sign that the child is recovering mentally and socially, as well as recovering physically.
Parents consistently reported that the volunteers gave their child a positive, happy experience; that their child’s face lit up when they saw the volunteers; with some children calling the volunteers their friends. It was also found that stressed parents of sick children often have low resilience; they may feel traumatised and have little energy to play, therefore, the service is critical in the support it gives.
Anna Gunning, CEO of Children in Hospital Ireland added “This evaluation highlights what families have been telling us for years: play is not optional, but an essential tool in changing a child’s hospital experience. Our volunteers provide not only comfort and respite for parents, but moments of joy and normality during what is often an unfamiliar and scary environment for children.”
“The findings of this evaluation have contributed to our new Strategic Plan over the next three years. We are committed to meeting the needs of children and their families in hospitals nationwide with plans to grow our volunteer teams, our supports to families, and the number of hospitals where we have services.”
Access the findings of the report below!
Read the Summary Evaluation report
Read the FULL Evaluation report
