Plans unveiled for new children's hospice

A new children’s hospice is being built to help care for some of the 1,300 young people living with life-limiting illnesses, it was confirmed today.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern met with children and their families as he viewed the plans for the country’s first children’s hospice which will be able to support more than 300 families in Ireland each year.

“This is a truly professional service delivered with sensitive care and compassion and all of Sunshine Home’s services testify to the fact that it is a truly person-centred facility,” Mr Ahern said as he visited the Children’s Sunshine Home which will begin building the new facility in November.

Voluntary healthcare body, the Sunshine Home in Dublin’s Leopardstown, was started to help young people many of whom are unlikely to live until adulthood.

It helps youngsters and their families and provides respite, home support, residential and palliative care to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

In Ireland, there are an estimated 1,369 children with life-limiting conditions, such as cerebral palsy, brain damage, meningitis, muscular dystrophy and life-threatening illnesses such as HIV and cancers. Figures show an average of 354 children die each year.

The new centre at the home will house four buildings, including a palliative care home, an eight-bed state-of-the-art unit and additional respite, residential and family accommodation for more than 300 children and families.

The palliative care unit will be known as the Laura Lynn House after a foundation established by Jane McKenna following the untimely death of her two daughters Laura and Lynn.

Philomena Dunne, chief executive of the Children’s Sunshine Home, said the capital development budget for the project was €9m and both it and the Laura Lynn foundation have been actively fundraising for some time.

“We are responding to the needs of the times, currently we have 53 children attending, with demands for up to two/three children requiring palliative support per month,” Ms Dunne said.

“This has a knock-on effect and reduces the amount of respite care available. Unfortunately we only have capacity for five respite places at any one time and currently can only serve the east coast of Ireland.

“So we will be delighted to provide support and comfort to over 300 families throughout when building is complete in early 2008.”

Ms Dunne said caring for a seriously ill child places an immense physical and emotional strain on the entire family.

“A residential children’s hospice is a family’s last option but a real option for some – providing a ‘home from home’ offering a place where families can relax, recharge their batteries, share the care and have fun with their children,” she said.

“Expert care is on hand to help them make the most of each day and live life to the full.”