Nuala Fennell
Ceist:148 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Health the reason guidelines for the welfare of children in hospital, drawn up by the Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital, have not been circulated by this Department.
Written Answers. - Welfare of Children in Hospital.
The guidelines in question have been drafted by the Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital and their publication and circulation is therefore a matter for the association itself.
However, I would like to assure the Deputy that those involved in the planning and delivery of hospital services for children have regard to the special needs of children and that every effort is made to ensure that children, when in hospital, receive the appropriate care, attention and support.
Nuala Fennell
Ceist:149 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Health if information and explanatory leaflets are available for children admitted to hospital.
The health promotion unit of the Department of Health support the activities of the Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital (AWCH), which offer help and advice to parents whose child needs to be admitted to hospital. To correspond with the association's National Awareness Week (22-26 April 1991), the unit published a leaflet and poster which had been developed by AWCH. These materials highlight the activities of the association and give contact names and addresses around the country for further help and information.
The leaflet suggests ways of overcoming the fear and anxiety associated with a visit to hospital. It encourages parents to talk about hospital as a cheerful place with their children, before admission, and to visit often afterwards, offering support and reassurance, all the time.
Copies of the leaflet and poster have been circulated to all health board offices for dissemination.
Nuala Fennell
Ceist:150 Mrs. Fennell asked the Minister for Health if he has a policy regarding the admittance and treatment of children in adult wards; and if he will consider banning this kind of integration.
The general policy in relation to the admittance and treatment of children in hospital is that, where possible, children should be accommodated and treated in designated childrens' wards.
However, there may be circumstances where this is not possible, either because of the physical layout of the hospital or the nature of the accommodation/ treatment required, for example, intensive care accommodation.