LauraLynn The history of the hospice has evolved over many years from its beginnings in 1925 as a convalescence home for children from the inner city, to the recent 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 donors.
On the 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.
Until now, Ireland has never had a dedicated hospice for children. As families face the most difficult moment imaginable, they have traditionally had two options: for a child to spend their last days in a hospital or at home.
Ireland's first Children's Hospice is now able to support over 300 families across Ireland a year. The LauraLynn House Paediatric Palliative Care unit has eight bedrooms along with living facilities as well as four family apartments, to enable relatives to be close to their children. These units are essential component of the Palliative Care Programme so desperately needed.
The LauraLynn House is the realization of the shared vision of the LauraLynn Children's Hospice Foundation and The Children's Sunshine Home. Born out of the tragedy of the McKenna family who lost their only two daughters, Laura and Lynn, to unrelated illnesses in the span of two years, the hospice is a "home from home" for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. A place where children can receive dignified care and families can receive ongoing support from a team of dedicated professionals.
www.lauralynn.ie