A new state-of-the-art hospital unit for children who need breathing machines to stay alive will open officially today.
The Children's Transitional Care Unit (TCU) in Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, Dublin, is the first of its kind in the Republic.
Health chiefs say it will free up badly-needed intensive care unit (ICU) beds for acute admissions of critically-ill children or those requiring post-operative care following major surgery.
Previously, children requiring long periods of respiratory support for survival could only be cared for in an ICU, putting pressure on bed space.
Dr Billy Casey, consultant anaesthetist and co-director of the unit, said the unit would put great emphasis on the developmental, emotional, psychological and social needs of the child and their family.
"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," he said.
"It also offers a recreation area that allows siblings to interact and play with the sick child during family visits."
Archbishop of Dublin, The Most Rev Diarmuid Martin DD, will officially open the child-friendly and family-centred medical unit.