Child-Friendly Healthcare publication

Publication of research on Child-Friendly Healthcare undertaken at University College Cork by Professor Ursula Kilkelly (Faculty of Law) and Professor Eileen Savage (School of Nursing & Midwifery), University College Cork.

On 20^th November, Universal Children’s Day, the publication of research commissioned by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office undertaken by University College Cork was launched. The press release on the research stated that:

“The overall aim of the research has been to identify how child-friendly healthcare and a culture of respect for children’s rights in healthcare settings can be further progressed in Ireland. The research identifies a number of ‘building blocks’ that can support the implementation of child-friendly healthcare across healthcare settings in Ireland.

The Ombudsman for Children said: “This research and the fact that the HSE is developing a National Charter for Children are particularly timely as we are working towards a new National Children’s Hospital, and follows on from the public’s decision to strengthen children’s rights in the Constitution. It is very important that the principle of best interests helps shape the way health services are delivered to children and their families”.

“Among other things, the research undertaken by Prof Ursula Kilkelly and Prof Eileen Savage for my Office highlights the importance of leadership at different levels of the healthcare system, the value of developing national policy on child-friendly healthcare, and the need to foster inter-sectoral alliances.

Emily Logan added: “Healthcare is an issue that affects every child in Ireland and their families. For many children, their interaction with the healthcare system may be limited to occasional visits to their GP. For some children with particular health conditions, their engagement with healthcare services may be a more regular occurrence; while for other children with certain chronic illnesses, healthcare services and their relationships with professionals will be a significant and integral part of their daily lives. In publishing this report, it is my hope that the research will also be a useful foundation resource for all those with responsibilities and roles to play in fostering a culture of respect for children’s rights in healthcare in Ireland.”

With reference to a separate but complementary initiative by the HSE  regarding the development  of a National Healthcare Charter for Children,  Emily Logan concluded that  “Today is about partnership and coming together to focus on children’s rights and in particular the best interests of children in healthcare settings”.

For the full publication on Child-Friendly Healthcare click here. 

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