Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin

Crumlin Children's Hospital and The Late Late Show launch new Family Home from Home Accommodation
14 Dec 2004

The Late Late House - Home from Home family accommodation unit was be officially opened by Late Late Show presenter, Pat Kenny, at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin (OLHSC) on Tuesday, 14^th December 2004 at 3pm. The new Home from Home was made possible by funds raised on RTÉ's The Late Late Show in Christmas 2001, when an entire show was dedicated to OLHSC. Over 300,000 euro was raised in the process. Gerry O'Dwyer, Chief Executive of the hospital, said the support from The Late Late Show, friends of the hospital and The Children's Medical & Research Foundation, allowed the purchase and renovation of a house near the hospital. The house, kitted out to the highest standards, will provide comfortable accommodation for four families and includes a common room, kitchen/dining facilities, recreational room and patio garden area.

OLHSC has always sought to provide Home from Home accommodation for families of children who live outside Dublin and who are attending the hospital. As OLHSC serves patients from all corners of Ireland, the journey to Dublin for some is considerable.

"It is crucial for sick children to have as much contact with their families for the well being of all concerned. Having a base near the hospital will facilitate visits by other siblings and reinforce a sense of family togetherness especially during long and difficult treatments. This home will allow the sick child's family to be nearby ensuring emotional support to the child at all times", said Fíana McMorrow, mother of Constance (patient aged four and a half).

Pat Kenny said: "The hospital is recognised as a centre of excellence in the care of critically ill children. The last thing that parents need when coping with a crisis is the worry of how they can remain close to their child. We are delighted if the programme and Late Late viewers have helped to ease that burden by even a fraction."

The Home for Home will also be available to children who are attending OLHSC for day procedures, tests etc and who do not require hospital admission.

This new home will bring the total accommodation available for parents and families to: