Children in Hospital Ireland has been involved in the planning and development of services, in children’s hospitals for over five decades.

In the early years, CIH Ireland advocated for recognition of the right of parents to stay with their child in hospital, for visiting times to be extended, and for the facilitation of visits by siblings and other family members. We urged that children’s units be provided in all general hospitals where children were being treated and that these units be staffed by personnel with paediatric training. CIH Ireland also promoted the right of children to have access to education while in hospital and the need to develop hospital play specialist services.

Today, CIH Ireland continues to advocate and consult with policymakers and hospital management on behalf of children in hospital and their families. CIH Ireland continues to draw attention to the importance of providing opportunities for play and recreation for children and young people in hospital, the positive role which play and recreation can have in recovering from illness and the need for increased provision of hospital play specialist services.

Today the organisation is still actively lobbying for the welfare of all sick children and their families. There is still a lot to do, so join us to make hospital a happier place for children.