CHI – Family Engagement Session, 23rd July 2026
On the 23rd of July 2026, Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) hosted a Family Engagement Session in the Ashling Hotel, Dublin.
Sept. 23, 2026
On the 23rd of July 2026, Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) hosted a Family Engagement Session in the Ashling Hotel, Dublin. This session was hosted by Anne Carrigy, a board member of CHI and the HSE.
This engagement session was an addition to ongoing communication with parents at individual family level and via patient representative groups. It was advertised publicly for registration, giving all our families a chance to attend. At this session, CHI gave updates on the progress of our National Children’s Hospital Ireland, a summary of the work CHI has completed and future plans for the Family Advisory Network. These updates were based on the questions families had submitted on their registration forms and topics they indicated they are interested in.
Families had the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns.
Lucy Nugent, CEO of Children’s Health Ireland, welcomed attendees and presented an overview of the National Children’s Hospital Ireland (NCHI), including a description of the hospital site and what attendees could expect from the first day of operations. She also presented the migration plan for NCHI, confirming that the transition to the new hospital will only take place when it is clinically and operationally safe to do so. Further information on the progress CHI is making in relation to the NCHI, can be found on our website: Latest news | Children's Health Ireland
CHI’s deputy CEO, Shane Russell, spoke about the importance of young people transitioning to adult services, noting considerable concerns from families in relation to transition and noting that CHI is focusing on making this difficult period easier as a priority. He also provided an update on CHI’s Disability, Diversity and Inclusion programme and how this will focus on making the NCHI an accessible place for all children and young people as well as their families and staff.
CHI’s Patient Experience & Feedback Lead, Kevin O’Farrell, provided an overview of CHI’s current Public and Patient Involvement networks; Family Advisory Network (FAN), and Youth Advisory Council (YAC) participation in CHI. These are established forums that any parent or child who has experience with CHI services, can join. Staff across disciplines engage with children, young people and their families through these forums, to capture their lived experiences and feedback and help guide service improvement initiatives across CHI.
Grainne Bauer, Chief Director of Nursing, presented on the huge task ahead of nursing colleagues and how nursing care will look in the new hospital. Suzanne Dunne, Director of Quality Patient Safety, followed this by providing an overview of key achievements and developments delivered in the last 12 months including a discussion of Martha’s Rule and valuable contributions from our Family Advisory Network and Youth Advisory Council.
The event concluded with an opportunity for families to ask any questions and discuss the topics that were addressed throughout the engagement session (50 minutes was allocated for this Q&A time).
Dr. Yvonne Traynor, Chair of the Board in CHI, closed the event.
Children’s Health Ireland is committed to ongoing, open and transparent communication with our families, and we aim to hold further face-to-face Engagement Sessions.