Tips and advice to help you prepare for outpatient and inpatient treatment for your child in public hospitals in Leinster.
Hospitals in other regions:
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Lukes General Hospital Kilkenny
Website: St Luke’s General Hospital Kilkenny
Address: Freshford Road, Kilkenny City, Kilkenny, R95 FY71
Main phone: 056 778 5000 followed by 6 for the operator. Call this number and they will direct your call to the clinic or ward you need.
Parking
Hospital car parks are usually very busy or full. Arrive early as you often have to wait for a space.
The public car park is at the rear of the hospital, and the car park entrance/exit has a one way system. All traffic, with the exception of emergencies, must use Entrance 1 (the entrance closest to the Car Park).
The daily fee is €4. The first 30 minutes parking is free. If you are leaving and returning during the same day, pay the initial €4 and then proceed to the Security Office located inside the main entrance where a ‘multi-pass’ will be given. A barrier system is in operation – take a ticket on entering the car park.
Payment: Coins and card accepted
There are external clampers in operation in St. Luke’s General Hospital and cars parked in non-parking areas or who have not paid may be clamped.
Disabled/Blue badge parking
There are free designated disabled parking spaces – a disabled parking permit must be displayed.
Finding the ward
The Paediatric Inpatient Ward has its own external entrance, accessible from the rear of the hospital. There is no need to walk through the main hospital corridors or other adult wards to access the children’s ward.
Contact
Call the main switch and ask to be transferred to the children’s ward – 056 778 5000
Finding the inpatient ward
The Paediatric Inpatient Ward has its own external entrance, accessible from the rear of the hospital. There is no need to walk through the main hospital corridors or other adult wards to access the children’s ward.
One parent/guardian may stay overnight on the ward with their child. Ask a nurse on the ward for further detail.
There are several hotels and B&Bs near the hospital where visitors and family can stay.
The Zen Café
Located in the main concourse (south entrance), is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays. Saturday opening hours are 10am to 6pm. Closed Sunday and Bank holidays.
Vending machines
There are vending machines in the ED, AMAU and X-Ray waiting areas.
Hospital shop
The hospital shop Sweet Times is located beside the Outpatients Reception Area and is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm.
Delivery
You can arrange for takeaway food to be delivered to the main hospital entrance – you will need to meet them when they arrive. The food should not be brought to the ward.
Volunteer play services
Volunteer play services are provided by Children In Hospital Ireland volunteers in the hospital. Watch out for the red t-shirts.
Welcome and wayfinding volunteers
There are hospital volunteers who can help you find your way around the hospital.
Hospital chapel
The hospital chapel is located near the main hospital entrance.
Information about mass times is available here.
If your child has a mobility, communication, vision, hearing or literacy difficulty let the clinic or ward staff know in advance or when you arrive.
Hospital Shop
Sweet Times is opposite the Zen Cafe and is open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm.
Informal complaints can be made directly to a member of hospital staff or a ward/department manager.
Formal complaints about inpatient or outpatient services at St Luke’s General Hospital can be made to the hospital complaints officer or to HSE Complaint and Feedback Service – Your Service Your Say
Hospital complaints Officer: St Luke’s Kilkenny (General manager)
Patient Advocacy Liaison Service (PALS): PALS staff at St Luke’s can assist you with concerns and making a complaint about hospital services – Phone number 056 778 5311
For more information or support:
- Visit our hospital feedback and complaints section for more information about hospital feedback and complaints.
- The Patient Advocacy Service is an independent, free and confidential service that supports you to make a complaint about an experience you have had in a Public Hospital. This is a separate service to the hospital PALS service.
Need help?
Our play volunteers are ready to help!
Watch out for the volunteers in red t-shirts
Last updated September 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda
General
Website: Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda – HSE.ie (Limited information on this page)
Address: Windmill Road, Moneymore, Drogheda, Louth, A92 VW28
General phone number: 041 983 7601 – Call this number and they will direct your call to the ward or clinic you need.
Parking
Parking is available in the hospital car park – Hospital car parks are usually very busy or full. Arrive early if you plan to use hospital parking as you often have to wait for a space. Cash or card payment accepted.
Discounted parking is available in Crosslanes carpark – Cost is €4 concessionary parking per day – cash or card payment accepted.
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital – Crosslanes Car Park – Car Park (parkopedia.ie)
Long term discount
There is no discount available for long term stays
Disabled parking
Free parking with a disabled parking badge is available in dedicated spaces in hospital parking.
How to find the Admissions Desk
To find the admissions desk, enter the north entrance (across from the hospital car park), turn left at the top of the hallway into the main foyer and the admissions desk is on your left.
Outpatient department
The outpatient unit is located at the front of the hospital – ask to be directed at the front desk
Children’s ward
The 30 bed children’s ward is located on the 5th floor of the Boyne Block
On the ward
Parents can stay overnight on the ward with their child – a recliner is provided.
A parent shower is also available on the ward – parents must provide their own toiletries.
On the ward
A parent kitchen is available on the ward for parents to use – toaster, microwave and kettle.
Hospital shop
A hospital shop is available
Staff canteen/restaurant
Visitors/family members are able to use the staff canteen.
Delivery
You can arrange for takeaway food to be delivered to the main hospital entrance – you will need to meet them when they arrive. The food should not be brought to the ward.
Play Room
A play room is available on the inpatient ward.
Volunteer Play Service
Volunteer play services are provided by Children In Hospital Ireland volunteers in the hospital. Watch out for the red t-shirts.
Hospital chapel and chaplain
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Medical social worker
Medical Social Workers focus on the emotional and social impact of illness & hospitalisation on the lives of patients and their families. They can also help with understanding government benefits and financial entitlements a or community/voluntary support services. Ask a member of your child’s team about a referral.
If your child has a mobility, communication, vision, hearing or literacy difficulty let the clinic or ward staff know in advance or when you arrive.
Tell your child’s nurse if they have any allergies or special dietary needs when they are admitted.
Hospital shop
A hospital shop is available. Another local shop is available beside the hospital.
ATM
An ATM is located in the shop beside the hospital
Informal complaints can be made directly to a member of hospital staff or a ward/department manager.
Formal complaints about inpatient or outpatient services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda can be made to the Patient Advocate Liaison Manager/ hospital complaints officer or to HSE Complaint and Feedback Service – Your Service Your Say
Patient Advocate Liaison Manager Hospital complaints Officer: Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda
For more information or support:
- Visit our hospital feedback and complaints section for more information about hospital feedback and complaints.
- The Patient Advocacy Service is an independent, free and confidential service that supports you to make a complaint about an experience you have had in a Public Hospital.
- HSE Your Service Your Say
Need help?
Our play volunteers are ready to help!
Watch out for the volunteers in red t-shirts
Last updated September 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise
General
Website: Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise
Address: Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Laois, R32 RW61
General phone number: 057 862 1364 – Call this number and they will direct your call to the ward or clinic you need.
Parking
Hospital car parks are usually very busy or full. Arrive early as you often have to wait for a space.
Parking is available on site. Public car park spaces are available in a long-term car park and in the short-term car parks. There is a charge for the use of these facilities. Please note that different charges apply at the long-term car park and at the short-term car park. There are pay machines in the hospital grounds and 1 pay station inside the front door of the hospital.
Payment type: Card and coins accepted.
Discounted parking
A 5 day pass for €10, is available on request from the Cash Office – The cash office is in a separate building to the main hospital building. Ask at reception for directions or call the main hospital and ask to be transferred to the Cash Office – 056 778 5000
The inpatient ward is on the 1st floor of the hospital.
There is a playroom, an outside play area, and a sensory room.
One parent can stay overnight on a bedside pull-out bed.
There is a parent kitchen and a shower in all rooms.
There is a separate room for parents of a child receiving oncology treatment with a fridge etc.
On the ward
One parent can stay overnight on the ward on a pull out bed. Bed linens are provided.
On the ward
There is a parent kitchen on the inpatient ward with kettle, microwave etc.
Parents with a child receiving inpatient care can get a letter for discounted meals at the staff cafe.
Delivery
You can arrange for takeaway food to be delivered to the main hospital entrance – you will need to meet them when they arrive. The food should not be brought to the ward.
A playroom, sensory room and outdoor play space are available on the inpatient ward.
If your child has a mobility, communication, vision, hearing or literacy difficulty let the clinic or ward staff know in advance or when you arrive.
A sensory room is available for children to use – ask a member of staff about using this room.
Informal complaints can be made directly to a member of hospital staff or a ward/department manager or consultant.
Formal complaints about inpatient or outpatient services at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise can be made to the hospital complaints officer or to HSE Complaint and Feedback Service – Your Service Your Say
Hospital complaints Officer: Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise
For more information or support:
- Visit our hospital feedback and complaints section for more information about hospital feedback and complaints.
- The Patient Advocacy Service is an independent, free and confidential service that supports you to make a complaint about an experience you have had in a Public Hospital.
- HSE Your Service You Say
Did you know?
Our database has hundreds of resources and supports that can be easily searched
Click below to search for supports
Last updated September 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
National Rehabilitation Hospital
Website
National Rehabilitation Hospital
National Rehabilitation Hospital Paediatrics
Contact Number: (01) 235 5000 – Call this number and they will direct your call to the area you need.
Getting there
The National Rehabilitation Hospital is located in South County Dublin on Rochestown Avenue near the town of Dún Laoghaire. The link below provides information about getting there and public transport options.
https://www.nrh.ie/contact-us/find-us/
Parking
Free parking is available at the hospital.
There are a few carparks so if one is full you may need to try another but parking is usually available.
The Paediatric Programme at the NRH has 10 beds (8 inpatient beds and 2 day-patient beds).
You will be sent an information booklet before your child’s visit.
A useful video which shoes images of the Daisy Unit is available here:
https://www.nrh.ie/rehabilitation-services/paediatric-family-centred-rehabilitation/
On the ward
A pull-out bed is provided for one parent staying in each room with their child/young person.
Local accommodation options
A range of accommodation is available locally. A list of local accommodation is available at our Reception Desk.
Facilities on ward
A family kitchen/living room with some kitchen amenities for parents is available in the inpatient unit
The Cafe
The Cafe is located on the Ground Floor of the main hospital. Opening hours:
Monday – Friday 7.30am 7.30pm, Saturday, Sunday 9.00am 6.00pm, Bank Holidays 9.00am 6.00pm
Newspapers, Postage Stamps and Greetings Cards are also available to buy in the Cafe.
Staff canteen
Family and visitors can use the staff canteen. It is open every day including weekends.
Play and activities
There are a wide range of activities available for patients to use for play and distraction: These include:
- play room,
- teen room
- outdoor playground
- Sensory room.
There are also other facilities which as used as part of treatment such as the music room, gym, soft play, accessible kitchen and sensory room.
Hospital school
The hospital school provides an education service for children and young people aged from 4 to 18. The school also supports young people sitting state exams while admitted to hospital.
More information is available here
Volunteer play services
Volunteer play services are provided by Children In Hospital Ireland volunteers in the hospital. Watch out for the red t-shirts.
Patient Advocate and Liaison Officer (PALS)
The Patient Advocate and Liaison Officer is available to provide information and listen to any questions, comments or concerns you may have during your stay at the National Rehabilitation Hospital.
Call the main reception and ask to be transferred to the PALS program.
Social Work
Social Workers provide a service to: inpatients; the outpatient clinic; and an outreach service to many of the families attending the Paediatric service. Many parents and children visit the unit prior to admission and are introduced to the service by the social workers and nursing staff.
Pastoral Care
The Chaplain visits with families and offers confidential listening, support and advice. They provide spiritual and pastoral care support to patients and their families.
Inpatient ward
There is a fully accessible toilet and bath for patients in the inpatient unit.
A sensory room is available in the unit as well.
If your child has a mobility, communication, vision, hearing or literacy difficulty let the clinic or ward staff know in advance or when you arrive.
Formal complaints about inpatient or outpatient services at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise can be made to the hospital complaints officer/patient experience manager or to HSE Complaint and Feedback Service – Your Service Your Say
Hospital complaints Officer/Patient experience manager: National Rehabilitation Hospital
For more information or support:
- NRH Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service – Call main reception and ask to be transferred.
- Visit our hospital feedback and complaints section for more information about hospital feedback and complaints.
- The Patient Advocacy Service is an independent, free and confidential service that supports you to make a complaint about an experience you have had in a Public Hospital.
- HSE Your Service You Say
Need help?
Our play volunteers are ready to help!
Watch out for the volunteers in red t-shirts
Last updated September 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh
Website:
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh
National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh – Paediatrics/Cappagh Kids
Address: National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, Cappagh Rd, Finglas, Dublin 11, D11 EV29
General phone: (01) 814 0400
Cappagh Kids: (01) 814 0474
Getting there
You can get to the hospital by car or bus, Luas or train.
Information about public transport options is available here. Make sure to confirm details with the service provider.
Getting there and public transport
Parking
Hospital car parks are often very busy or full. Arrive early in case you have to wait for a space.
Charges: First 15 minutes free, €2 per hour up to a maximum of €10 per day.
Payment: The payment machine is located at the main hospital reception. Cash and card are accepted.
Long term parking
A special parking rate is available for families with a child receiving treatment – Bring the parking ticket to reception to be authorised.
Disabled parking
The hospital has 9 car parking spaces which are free to disabled parking permit holders.
Information about coming to the hospital is available here. There is lots of useful information about what to expect in the “Your Hospital Adventure” section.
They request that one parent remains with a child at all times. Parents can sleep overnight bedside with their child.
Restaurant
Parents and guardians can use the hospital restaurant. Evening meals for parents and guardians of paediatric patients are available from the Restaurant & Catering Service for an additional charge. Orders and advance payment can be made at the restaurant from:
Monday – Friday: before 3pm, Weekends: before 11am on Saturday.
Vending Machines
Hot and cold beverages are available to purchase in the Vending Room, located beside the main restaurant and the porch area, at the Hospital Reception.
Oratory/chapel
The Hospital Oratory is located near the Main Reception. Holy Communion is offered weekly. A volunteer Catholic chaplain is on-site twice per week; however, if you are a member of another faith arrangements can be made for Chaplains of other denominations to visit you at the Hospital.
If your child has a mobility, communication, vision, hearing or literacy difficulty let the clinic or ward staff know in advance or when you arrive.
Informal complaints can be made directly to a member of hospital staff or a ward/department manager or consultant or to the hospital quality manager
Formal complaints about inpatient or outpatient services at National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh can be made to the quality manager/hospital complaints officer or to HSE Complaint and Feedback Service – Your Service Your Say
Quality Manager/Hospital complaints Officer: National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh
For more information or support:
- Visit our hospital feedback and complaints section for more information about hospital feedback and complaints.
- The Patient Advocacy Service is an independent, free and confidential service that supports you to make a complaint about an experience you have had in a Public Hospital.
- HSE Your Service You Say
Did you know?
Our database has hundreds of resources and supports that can be easily searched
Click below to search for supports
Last updated September 2023
