Our Vision:
An Ireland where the rights of children are respected and prioritised within the healthcare system.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to promote the wellbeing of children within the healthcare system in Ireland, in particular, before, during and after hospitalisation. In order to fulfil our mission, we aim to provide information and support to parents and carers and to engage in advocacy in relation to healthcare services for children. In addition, we aim to make the hospital a happier place for children and young people by providing volunteer-led play and recreation services.
Our Values: The work of Children in Hospital Ireland is firmly rooted in and inspired by the lived experience of children in hospital and their families and the knowledge and insights of our volunteers, staff and members.
We value:
- Our history and achievements as a source of inspiration for the continued development of Children in Hospital Ireland
- The principles and provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, in particular, the right of the child to health and healthcare, to play and recreation and to have a say in matters affecting him or her
- The principles for children’s healthcare provision set out in the Charter developed by the European Association for Children in Hospital (the EACH Charter)
- The place and power of play and recreation in the lives of children and young people
- The contribution of our staff and volunteers – their skill, commitment and enthusiasm
- The voice of children and young people and of parents/carers and family members to inform our work and help us continuously improve
- Collaboration with hospitals and health service agencies and working in partnership with like-minded organisations
- Recognising and responding to the changing context of children and young people’s lives, in particular in the areas of play and recreation
- Providing services that are accessible to and inclusive of all children and young people in hospital
- Using evidence-based information and analysis to inform good practice in the services we provide and to inform our advocacy work
