Children In Hospital Ireland

Children in Hospital Ireland (CHI)

Each year there are over 270,000 child visits to hospitals in Ireland. Children in Hospital Ireland, a national children's charity, works directly with these children and their families to ensure their welfare before, during and following a stay or visit in hospital. CHI manages a unique play service, PlayWell, which provide over 40,000 hours of play each year in hospital wards and playrooms nationwide.

Over 40 years, the organisation has worked collaboratively with parents, professionals and other organisations to champion the cause of sick children. It has played a major role in initiating and furthering changes in how children are cared for in Irish hospitals.

Branches or local groups

Dublin (6 hospitals), Limerick, Castlebar, Cork (2 hospitals), Drogheda, Waterford, Galway, Ballinasloe, Wexford, Tullamore, Mullingar, Sligo, Kerry and Kilkenny.
CHI PlayWell groups are active every week in 20 hospitals with plans for more groups to start.