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  • ABOUT
    • MISSION VISION VALUES
    • WHO WE ARE
    • MEET THE TEAM
    • HISTORY
    • GOVERNANCE
  • WHAT WE DO
    • VOLUNTEER PLAY SERVICE
    • ADVOCACY
    • HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
    • FOR PARENTS
    • FOR CHILDREN
    • EDUCATION
  • GET INVOLVED
    • CONFERENCE 2020
    • FUNDRAISING
    • SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
    • DONATE
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • CORPORATE SUPPORT
    • BECOME A VOLUNTEER
  • LATEST NEWS
  • FOR VOLUNTEERS
    • BECOME A VOLUNTEER
    • VOLUNTEER RESOURCES
    • PLAYFUL MANUAL
    • PLAYFUL VIDEOS
    • PLAY RESOURCES
    • HSE Child Protection Training
  • NETWORK & SUPPORT
    • DURING COVID-19
    • HOSPITAL LOCATIONS
    • EACH
    • NCIO
    • RESOURCES
    • SUPPORT & ADVICE
  • CONTACT

History

Helping children since 1970

History

Helping children since 1970

Children in Hospital Ireland

Since 1970, the organisation’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 Children in Hospital Ireland 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.

Interest in the organisation was growing fast and many people, including Mr Erskine Childers, then Minister for Health, supported its work.

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The Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital (Ireland) to Children in hospital Ireland: 1970-2020

Click here to read further about the significant history of Children in Hospital Ireland.

In 1973, the organisation introduced for the first time in Ireland a charter for the care of all sick children. In 1988, in collaboration with its European colleagues, it adopted the European Charter for Children in Hospital – the EACH charter.

Our voluntary organisation is now called Children in Hospital Ireland and has extended its services to become one of Ireland’s leading children’s charities.

The organisation has published a series of information leaflets, booklets and comprehensive reports to help support and inform parents, health professionals and policy makers about the rights and needs of sick children.

Children in Hospital Ireland has also contributed to the creation and operation of hospital playrooms and play areas in many Irish hospitals.

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.

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Recent Posts

  • 27 October, 2020
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    Parents spend up to €150 extra per day – The Irish Times

  • 28 May, 2020
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    Letter to the Editor – May 2020

  • 20 March, 2020
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    Statement from Children’s Health Ireland

Contact us

Children In Hospital Ireland
Suite 113 4-5 Burton Hall Road
Sandyford
Dublin 18

Phone Number
01 290 3510

Email Address
info@childreninhospital.ie

The Scheme to Support National Organisations is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Rural and Community Development

Copyright 2016 Children In Hospital Ireland | All Rights Reserved | Company Registration No. 297192 | Charity No. 6632
  • ABOUT
    • MISSION VISION VALUES
    • WHO WE ARE
    • MEET THE TEAM
    • HISTORY
    • GOVERNANCE
  • WHAT WE DO
    • VOLUNTEER PLAY SERVICE
    • ADVOCACY
    • HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
    • FOR PARENTS
    • FOR CHILDREN
    • EDUCATION
  • GET INVOLVED
    • CONFERENCE 2020
    • FUNDRAISING
    • SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
    • DONATE
    • BECOME A MEMBER
    • CORPORATE SUPPORT
    • BECOME A VOLUNTEER
  • LATEST NEWS
  • FOR VOLUNTEERS
    • BECOME A VOLUNTEER
    • VOLUNTEER RESOURCES
    • PLAYFUL MANUAL
    • PLAYFUL VIDEOS
    • PLAY RESOURCES
    • HSE Child Protection Training
  • NETWORK & SUPPORT
    • DURING COVID-19
    • HOSPITAL LOCATIONS
    • EACH
    • NCIO
    • RESOURCES
    • SUPPORT & ADVICE
  • CONTACT
Children In Hospital
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