LauraLynn children's hospice expanding services thanks to donations

The LauraLynn Children's Hospice has announced an expansion of their services, funded entirely by public donations.

The 'LauraLynn-at-Home' programme will see their care their staff go out and provide care in people's own homes, on a 12-month trial basis.

Nurses and health care assistants will provide a range of services including respite, crisis and end-of-life care to around 50 families in the HSE's Dublin North-East and Dublin Mid-Leinster areas.

The pilot programme will cost €800,000.

"[It's] taking the same care we provide here at LauraLynn house into the community," said Julie Ling, Head of Strategic Development.

"We have a group of very highly-trained nurses and care assistants who are going to be providing care in parents' homes, to children with life-limiting conditions.

"Many parents, ultimately, if their child is at end-of-life, want to care for their child at home for them to be with siblings and other family members."

The LauraLynn@Home Pilot Programme will be available in the following areas for the next 12 months:

• HSE Dublin North-East: Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, North County Dublin;

• HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster: Kildare, Wicklow, Westmeath, Laois, Offaly, Longford, South County Dublin