Children In Hospital Colleen O’Neill The Children’s University Hospital Temple Street

Children In Hospital Over the last two decades, great strives have been made in recognizing the importance of taking a holistic approach to the care of children. Nurses working in children's units have competing pressures on their time and can easily fall into the routine of dealing only with the physical problems of the child.

Rights of the Child The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child acknowledges that, on an international basis, that children have distinct and particular rights. Article 12 of the Children’s Convention reports that children’s needs include physical, emotional and psychosocial needs and that children have a right to have these needs met (United Nations General Assembly, 1989). One of the main roles of the children’s nurse, as the child’s advocate, is to uphold the rights of the child (Moules & Ramsay, 1998).

Policies and Strategies In Ireland, the rights of the child are enshrined under articles 40 to 44 of the Constitution (Government of Ireland, 1937), which states that a child’s physical, moral, social and emotional needs shall be met. These rights are further supported by the 1991 Child Care Act (Irish Government, 1999), The Charter of Rights for Hospital Patients (Department of Health, 1992) and The National Children’s Strategy (Government of Ireland, 2000), which all focus on the needs of the child and family. Quality and Fairness. A Health System for you.

The National Children’s Strategy Goals. Children will have a voice. Children’s lives will be better understood. Children will receive quality supports and services

Quality and Fairness. A Health System for you. A health system that supports and empowers you, your family and community to achieve your full potential. A health system that is there when you need it, that is fair and that you can trust. A health system that encourages you to have your say, listens to you, and ensures that your say is taken into account.

Charter for Children in Hospital " The right to the best possible treatment is a fundamental right, especially for Children", (UNESCO). Charter for Children in Hospital agreed by the 1st European Conference on Children in Hospital in This Charter is a useful guide to the standard of care expected for children in hospital.

Charter for Children in Hospital Children shall be admitted to hospital only if the care they require cannot be equally well provided at home or on a day basis

Children in hospital shall have the right to have their parents or parent substitute with them at all times

Charter for Children in Hospital Accommodation should be offered to all parents and they should be helped and encouraged to stay. Parents should not need to incur additional costs or suffer loss of income. In order to share the care of their child parents should be kept informed about ward routine and their active participation encouraged

Charter for Children in Hospital Children and their parents shall have the right to be informed in a manner appropriate to age and understanding. Steps should be taken to mitigate physical and emotional stress

Charter for Children in Hospital Children and parents have the right to informed participation in all decisions involving their health care. Each child shall be protected from unnecessary medical treatment and investigation

Charter for Children in Hospital Children shall be cared for together with children who have the same developmental needs and shall not be admitted to adult wards. There should be no age restriction for visitors to children in hospital

Charter for Children in Hospital Children shall have full opportunity for play, recreation and education suited to their age and condition and shall be in an environment designed, furnished, staffed and equipped to meet their needs

Children shall be cared for by staff whose training and skills enable them to respond to the physical, emotional and developmental needs of children and families

Charter for Children In Hospital Continuity of care should be ensured by the team caring for children

Charter for Children In Hospital Children shall be treated with tact and understanding and their privacy shall be respected at all times

References Department of Health and Children (2000) The National Health Promotion Strategy Dublin: Stationery Office. Department of Health and Children. (2001) Quality and Fairness: A Health System for You. Dublin: Stationery Office. Department of Health. (1992) Charter of Rights for Hospital Patients. Dublin: Stationery Office. United Nations General Assembly (1989) Convention on the Rights of the Child. New York: United Nations