LauraLynn Ireland's Children's Hospice

Cause Description

LauraLynn, Ireland's Children's Hospice provides respite, home support, transitional, crisis and end-of-life care to children and their families with life-limiting conditions.

Making the most of short & precious lives

Overview

We provide palliative care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Our holistic approach to care enables us to support the whole family, allowing parents to be ‘Mum and Dad’ rather than full-time carers.

• We offer support for children from birth to age 18.
• All our hospice care is free for families
• Children can be referred from anywhere in Ireland
• Our services include, planned short breaks, end of life care, family support, bereavement care and home support

History

LauraLynn is a hospice for children with life-limiting conditions and residential care for young adults with disabilities.  We employ approximately 130 staff within our teaching, fundraising and care provision departments.

The history of our hospice has evolved over many years from its beginnings in 1925 as a convalescence home for children from the inner city, to the opening in 2011 of LauraLynn House, a dedicated 8 bed children’s palliative care unit. This award winning healthcare building and it’s everyday operations are funded by the generous support of our donors.

On our 3.6 acre site, in addition to LauraLynn House are Hazel House, Holly Oaks and Willow View, which were formerly known collectively as Children’s Sunshine Home.  Within these residential houses we provide care for young people with intellectual disabilities and funding is provided by the HSE.  In providing a safe and effective service for the children and young people within our care, we are guided by HIQA’s key principles of care.

Where Your Money Goes

In total it costs €5.2 million each year to provide LauraLynn Hospice’s specialised care to 200 families.  While LauraLynn receives some statutory funding, the majority of their income comes from fundraising.  A massive €3.5 million must be generated through donations every year. All fund-raised money is used to support LauraLynn Hospice.