HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR NEW FAMILY INFORMATION
AND SUPPORT SERVICE
At Children In Hospital Ireland, we frequently hear from families trying to find information about coming to hospital, how to prepare and support their child and family and the resources and supports available to them.
Through our new information and resource website, family workshops and carer wellness project we want to make sure that all families can easily find the information they need.
We are seeking input from families whose child has received care in hospitals or hospital clinics throughout Ireland or shared care between hospitals. This includes emergency department visits, clinic appointments, day surgery and short or long-term hospital admissions.
Keep reading to learn more about the various ways you can get involved in these exciting new projects.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ADVISOR ROLES
General Advisor
This is a low commitment role for patients, parents or guardians and includes opportunities to provide input into the Family Information Service and other Children In Hospital Ireland projects by participating in surveys, focus groups, interviews etc. You can choose to participate or not based on your availability and interest.
Current Surveys:
Monthly Family Working Group
Our Family Information Service working group takes place the 4th Tuesday of every month from 12.30-1pm pm and 6-7pm. The working group is a recurring group of approximately 10-12 parents or guardians who will provide ongoing input and feedback throughout the design of the Family Information Service.
Healthcare Transitions Advisor
Patient and family advisors will provide input on the update of the youth to adult healthcare transitions website www.steppingup.ie and the design of transition related events. Advisors can be current or former patients, parents or guardians.
Keep reading for more information.
GET INVOLVED IN OUR YOUTH TO ADULT HEALTHCARE TRANSITIONS PROJECT
Children In Hospital Ireland will be leading an initiative to update the youth to adult healthcare transitions website www.steppingup.ie and to develop a transitions workshop for youth and parents/carers.
Children In Hospital Ireland will be arranging a series of surveys and consultations with patients, parents/guardians and staff from hospitals and voluntary organisations. The aim of these consultations will be to:
- Review current website and content
- Co-design new content and layout
- Understand the most useful content and format for transitions workshops
If you would like to receive information about upcoming opportunities to be involved in this important project, please complete the form below and we will be in contact soon.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEW CARER WELLNESS PROGRAM
With generous funding from the Hospital Saturday Fund, Children In Hospital Ireland is developing a new parent support called The Carer Wellness Program. This virtual support group aims to help carers cope and develop resiliency by; learning strategies to treat themselves with kindness and compassion during challenging times, taking part in discussions to determine solutions together to some of life’s challenges, exchanging information about resources and supports, and being part of a community of carers with shared experiences.
The wellness sessions entail scheduled virtual meetings that will be professionally facilitated by an individual with expertise in social work, psychology, or childhood illness and who is also skilled in group facilitation.
This new support will help carers of children in hospital or receiving hospital care to reduce feelings of isolation, to develop coping and resiliency skills, to build an essential peer network and to have improved understanding and awareness of the supports and resources available to them.