Support for Children and Families
Support Throughout Your Child's Burn Journey
Facilities in CHI
Information on facilities available in CHI during your hospital stay.
Speak with the Nursing team or ward clerk on your inpatient ward for information on
- Car parking and weekly pass
- Parents accommodation
- Visiting policy
Further information on CHI can be found below.
Your GP or Family Doctor
Your GP remains an important source of support throughout your child's recovery.
Your GP can:
- Discuss any concerns about your child's recovery
- Support your family's emotional wellbeing
- Help with sleep difficulties, stress or anxiety
- Signpost appropriate community and mental health services
- Work alongside the hospital team where needed
Many families find it helpful to stay connected with their GP throughout their child's recovery journey.
Medical Social Work
Medical social workers are part of the multidisciplinary burns team and provide practical and emotional support to children and families throughout their care.
They can help with:
- Coping with the impact of a burn injury on family life
- Practical or financial concerns
- Accessing community supports and services
- Supporting parents, carers and siblings
- Helping families navigate their healthcare journey
You do not have to manage everything alone. Social workers can help connect families with the support they need during recovery.
Play Specialists and Volunteers
Hospital can be an unfamiliar environment for children. Play specialists and volunteers help make children's hospital experiences more positive and less stressful.
Play Specialists
Play specialists use play and creative activities to help children:
- Understand hospital procedures
- Prepare for treatments
- Express feelings and concerns
- Reduce anxiety
- Feel more comfortable during appointments and admissions
Volunteers
Children in Hospital Ireland play volunteers provide play, activities and distraction during hospital visits.
Time spent with volunteers can help children feel more comfortable and can provide parents with an opportunity to take a short break when needed.
Hospital Chaplaincy
Hospital chaplains provide pastoral support to patients and families of all faiths and none.
Chaplaincy support includes:
- A listening ear during difficult times
- Emotional and spiritual support
- Support during hospital admissions
- Opportunities for reflection and quiet time
The chapel is open 24 hours a day and chaplains can visit families on the ward if requested.
External Support Organisations
Some families find it helpful to access information and support from specialist burns organisations.
These organisations provide information, resources and opportunities to connect with other families who have experienced burns injuries.
Family Support Organisations
A number of organisations provide support to families of children receiving healthcare.
These may include:
- Ronald McDonald House Ireland
- Barretstown
- Make-A-Wish Ireland
- Cliona's Foundation
- LauraLynn
- Enable Ireland
- Saoirse Foundation
These organisations may provide accommodation, financial assistance, practical supports, respite opportunities or family wellbeing programmes.