Parentssay cominghere islikecoming home..Idon’t talkaboutit asahospice

They are the charity who offer help to seriously ill children and their parents when they need it most. With the help of the Scottish Government, Children’s Hospice Association Scotland have carried out research that established for the first time the number of kids with life-shortening conditions. Three die every week but CHAS are reaching only one. To help get to everyone in need, the charity aim to double their income over five years. Today, we launch a series on the work of the charity. AMANDA KEENAN meets two of their workers

EVELYN’S STORY

GIVING parents a chance to create precious lasting memories with their terminally ill babies is a gift that Evelyn Rodger feels privileged to give.

Evelyn is one of Children’s Hospice Association Scotland’s outreach team.

Her role as a Diana Children’s Nurse focuses on helping families choose if their child remains in hospital, goes to Robin House in Balloch or Rachel House in Kinross, or goes home to die with dignity.

For many parents, the time left together is short and Evelyn is on hand to make sure it’s as joyful and fulfilling as it possibly can be.

She said: “It’s very difficult for the mums and dads who had so many hopes and dreams for their new child and their future.

“Suddenly, they are now faced with the devastating realisation that their baby isn’t going to live and have all they wanted for them. “Processing that can be very difficult and just having someone there with them when they are getting that horrific news can make a difference. “Often, there are just a few days or weeks to create memories and allow them to cherish their child.” Evelyn, who is based across Rachel House and the Simpson Maternity unit in Edinburgh, helps parents find comfort in moments they thought they’d never experience with their child. She said: “One family thought they would never be able to take their baby home from hospital. “They felt robbed of this experience and wanted to walk their child through the front door. “We were able to set up a palliative care plan to get the child home and it brought the parents so much joy and comfort. “Just having their little one at home for the first time meant the world to them.” Knowing your