The CHI Neurodisability Teams wish to remind the patients and families who attend our services that we continue to deliver services and care during COVID-19

We ask parents/guardians to continue to contact us as you would have done before COVID-19 if you have any worries or concerns about your child, whether this is related to COVID-19 or not. We are still here for children and families. We have some helpful advice and resources for families here.

We wish to reassure families our hospitals are open and available to treat your child. We have robust infection control processes in place to help keep patients and staff as safe as we can and to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Currently, COVID-19 has not changed our patients’ ability to access Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) should they need it; decision are made on a case-by case basis as they were before.

The most important step for families to take is to follow official HSE guidance on social distancing and hygiene to reduce the risk of infection. Protecting yourself and your child from COVID-19 is important. Please do not delay seeking medical treatment if needed.   

We all need to ensure we are compliant with the public health measures and guidance so as to help save lives. It’s vitally important we all continue to practicing regular hand-washing/ sanitisation, physical and social distancing, cough and sneeze etiquette, further information is available on https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

We are still learning about COVID-19, and it is unclear if the children who attend our services are at any increased risk of more severe illness. International evidence shows that most children have far less severe illness than adults, even in the context of complex medical issues.  It is possible that children with medical conditions or disabilities which affect their breathing or lung health may be at increased risk of more severe illness. The HSE currently advises that children who may be at risk of more serious illness with COVID-19 “be extra careful in watching out for symptoms, and strictly follow the advice on good hygiene and hand washing”  as outlined on https://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/child-health/advice-children-parents-covid-19.html

The most important thing is for families and household contacts to follow HSE advice to continue reduce the risk of spreading infection and stay well, but please contact your team if you are concerned about your child.