Preparing for Spinal Surgery Abroad

The patient, along with one parent, will be booked in Business Class on your flights. This means you will have upgraded facilities, more space and more suitable seating. If your local airport does not offer Business Class flights, you will be given the option of a connecting flight (with additional legroom) from your local airport to an airport that does offer Business Class.

One other adult will be booked in Economy on your flight. We will try to book this person’s seat as close to the front of the airplane as possible, so they will be closer to the business class section and available to help you if you need them.

Your return flight will be booked as flexible tickets based on approximate dates provided by your surgical team. Your date to fly home may change based on when you are discharged from the hospital and ready to fly home. We will also help with the coordination of airport assistance and support access to the airplane, if you require it. Your baggage allowance will depend on your airline, and we will let you know the details when your flight is booked.

If you would prefer to travel by Ferry, please let us know and we can make these arrangements for you based on your location and the location of your hospital abroad.

A ferry trip can be arranged with two rooms per family.

You can find further information about visa requirements for different countries on the Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs Website (www.ireland.ie/dfa) Travel to UK Travelling from Ireland to the UK does not usually require a visa as there are special arrangements between the two countries under the Common Travel Area.

If you, or anyone travelling with you, are not Irish citizens but live in Ireland, your UK visa requirement will depend on your nationality.

Travel insurance will be included in the support package and all those in the travelling party will be covered.

For comfort and flexibility, you will be booked into either a 3-Star hotel or a serviced apartment for your stay, close to the hospital. A serviced apartment is a fully furnished apartment with your own kitchen and amenities, which will be cleaned by housekeeping.

You will likely be discharged from the hospital before you are cleared to fly home, so all three travellers will be staying in the accommodation following the surgery. For this reason, we will ensure that there is access to a lift (wheelchair accessible), and a large bathroom. We understand that space is important, as well as comfortable furniture, a good bed, and room for a parent to sleep-in with a child – these factors will all be considered when booking your accommodation. If you need additional support or if you have further accessibility needs, please do let us know.

Transfers to and from the airport will be arranged for a child and two accompanying adults. You will be provided with details about where to get these transfers before your trip from your treating hospital in your information pack.

When you are going to the hospital for surgery, and back to the accommodation after surgery, the hospital will also arrange this transfer for the patient and adult. Other trips to and from the hospital or to other locations will not be covered by Children’s Health Ireland or the treating hospital.

Your family will be provided with a budget for meals and expenses while you are away.

You will be provided with a daily budget for expenses, such as meals, tips and prescriptions. The team in Children’s Health Ireland will contact you directly to arrange these funds.

Work / Social Welfare

There is no provision within the current leave schemes to enable parents to utilise paid time off if their child requires urgent medical care abroad. If you are in receipt of social welfare payments (such as job seeker’s allowance) and you are concerned this may be affected by the requirement to travel, our Medical Social Work team can help with advice.

Schools must maintain attendance records for all students. They must also inform the Child and Family Agency’s educational welfare services if a child is absent for more than 20 days in a school year.

Your Medical Social Work team can help with a letter for you to give to your child’s school, to explain their absence before you go.

When you arrive at the airport, the first step is to go to the check-in desk. Most airlines will provide special assistance for you, such as assisting in getting through security and to the boarding gate.

Security screening is a key part of the process, and you may undergo a slightly different procedure. Instead of walking through the metal detector, you might be asked to pass through in your wheelchair while receiving additional screening with a handheld device.

Security personnel are trained to be respectful and gentle during this process, and parents or guardians can remain nearby the entire time.

Most airlines allow pre-boarding for you, giving your family extra time to board the plane without the rush of other passengers. If you use one, you will be able to bring your wheelchair as far as the aircraft door, where the chair will be stored or checked.

They may then provide an aisle wheelchair to transfer you onto the plane. Once onboard, you will be transferred to your assigned seat. This can be difficult as there is limited space, but take your time, and accept all the help you need from family and staff who are trained to help you.

If you are on a long flight, you might experience some discomfort and should be prepared for trying to manoeuvre in tight spaces, including into small toilet cubicles.

Again, take your time and ask for help when you need it. It can help to bring food that you like and things that help to keep you distracted. The toilets will not be wheelchair accessible, so depending on your mobility you may need to pack pads, pull-ups, catheters or any other devices you may need.

When you land, you will get your wheelchair back at the aircraft door (if you use one) and assistance will continue throughout the airport, ensuring your family can safely and comfortably reach baggage claim and the exit.

As outlined on page 10, your car transfer will be waiting to take you to your accommodation

Taxis or Ubers with wheelchair facilities will likely be your best option when travelling with your

Familiar items can help create a sense of security in an unfamiliar environment. If it’s ok with your medical team, decorate your space with photos or things that remind you of home.

If you are feeling up to it, you can find out about hospital resources like playrooms or creative therapies.

Many hospitals have “quiet times” to provide you with a quiet, restful environment. It’s important that parents have some quiet time to rest too.

Sketchbooks, colouring materials, or crafting kits are good to have for creative outlets.

Whether it’s picture books, chapter books, or audiobooks, shared reading time can be a comforting routine. You can also write your own stories or keep a journal.

Video calls with family and friends Staying connected with family or friends back home can boost spirits.

It’s important for parents to take time away from the hospital when possible. This is why having another adult make the trip with you is so important. Ask each other for help and breaks when you need them.

Parents can download apps for mindfulness, meditation, or guided breathing exercises. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing can reduce stress.

Keep in touch with friends, family, or support groups. Emotional support can be invaluable during extended hospital stays.

When stress is high, it’s easy to neglect your own nutrition. Keep healthy snacks handy, while staying hydrated can help keep energy levels up.

Many parents feel like they have to do everything themselves, but it’s okay to accept offers from others.

For families who find comfort in spirituality or religion, hospital chaplains or faith-based resources can provide comfort during tough times.

It’s okay for parents and children to feel upset, frustrated, or scared. Creating space to talk about these feelings, even through drawing or play, can help process emotions.

Whether it’s a positive test result, completing a treatment milestone, or even just a good day, acknowledge and celebrate all of the small victories along the way

Children’s Health Ireland has received funding for one adult and one child to travel in business class, and one adult in economy. We cannot deviate from this approved scheme. If you wish to personally change this at your own expense, you will need to contact the airline directly to see what is possible.

No, Children’s Health Ireland’s priority is to arrange safe travel abroad for the patient for their surgery. We will arrange the travel details in line with the timeframe provided by clinical teams. After your discharge from hospital, you will have some downtime, and it is the clinical team’s hope that your child will be able to get out and about at that stage.

Before your trip, you will receive funds from Children’s Health Ireland for expenses. You will be responsible for budgeting this for the length of your stay. If an additional stay is required, further money can be sent to you by the team at Children’s Health Ireland