The State's first specialist recovery unit for children on respiratory support was today officially opened by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.
The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin offers youngsters with breathing difficulties a family-friendly environment in which to recoup and prepare for home following treatment.
Previously such children could only be catered for in Intensive Care and this new unit now frees up ICU beds badly needed for acute admissions and post-operation recovery.
"The new TCU provides a state-of-the-art facility where great emphasis is placed on the developmental, emotional, psychological and social needs of the child and their family," Consultant Anaesthetist and Co-Director of the unit Dr Billy Casey said.
"The unit currently consists of five beds and the children have access to sensory play equipment and an outdoor play area, and full-time play specialist which is essential in facilitating their development play skills. "It also offers a recreation area that allows siblings to interact and play with the sick child during family visits."
A multidisciplinary team of staff are employed in the unit, who will work closely with family members to prepare for the child's transition back home.
"The Staff of Our Lady's would like to acknowledge the support of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and assistance received from corporate donors including Glanbia, Good Morning Ireland Chicago, the Children's Medical and Research Foundation, friends and children and their families, which made the building of this unit a reality", Chief Executive of the hospital Michael Lyons said.
Archbishop Martin said the unit represents all that is best about Our Lady's Hospital.
"The unit was born from the desire of the staff to provide the best possible care for a very particular group of sick children and their families," he said.