Northern Ireland Children's Health Coalition
Children’s Heartbeat Trust co-chair’s the Northern Ireland Children’s Health Coalition. The coalition was established in 2020. It consists of 15 leading charities and organisations working to improve the quality of health services and holistic support for children and young people in Northern Ireland and their families. Our membership includes:
The Hidden Costs of Having a Child in Hospital in Northern Ireland
The Hidden Costs of Having a Child in Hospital in Northern Ireland, explores the financial and emotional impacts on families caring for children with prolonged or frequent hospital stays.
Families face hidden costs such as travel, accommodation, food, and parking, alongside loss of earnings. On average, daily food expenses were £38, and overnight accommodation costs were £61 per night. Caregivers often rely on savings, incur debt, or seek financial aid, yet support systems like Disability Living Allowance often involve delays.
75% of caregivers reported strong or extreme mental health impacts, and 50% reported significant physical health challenges. Many caregivers cited a lack of consistent psychological support despite its effectiveness when available.
Families highlighted the importance of access to cooking and hygiene facilities in hospitals, better sleeping arrangements for caregivers, and suitable equipment for children with complex needs.
The report proposes:
- improved hospital amenities
- consistent psychological and financial support
- better communication from medical staff
- flexibility in visiting policies, especially during crises like COVID-19.
The report calls for systemic changes to reduce stress and financial strain, ensuring families are supported holistically during a child’s hospitalisation.
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