Hospice needs help more than ever

÷ Sir — As we look forward to the first easing of Covid-related restrictions tomorrow, can we note this also marks the start of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice week (May 18-24).

In some ways, the parents and families of children living with a life-limiting condition have been better equipped to deal with the recent realities of infection control, cocooning and social distancing. They are all too familiar with having to protect their child from catching a virus that could have catastrophic consequences.

However, this pandemic has caused huge anxiety and even greater isolation for them. Non-essential contacts were quickly stopped. Fear of ‘what will happen if I get infected or exhausted and can’t care for my child?’ is prevalent.

Now more than ever, these vulnerable and marginalised families need our support and recognition. They need to know they are not alone, that they have our support.

LauraLynn is Ireland’s only children’s hospice and provides tailored hospice and palliative care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families from across the island of Ireland.

During this crisis we launched the first virtual hospice for children, bringing specialist care into the family home virtually when we can’t be there in person. We are stepping up during times of crisis and at end-of-life, providing care in our hospice facility. If you’d like to help — and I hope you do, as we need that help — visit lauralynn.ie. Niall McHugh,

LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, Leopardstown Road, Dublin 8