Landmark research launched during Children’s Hospice Week 2026
"1 in 168 children and young people are living with life‑limiting conditions nearly double previous estimates..”
Launched on 21 May during Children’s Hospice Week 2026, the landmark new study, Evidence for Children’s Palliative Care in Ireland (ECHPI), has provided the most comprehensive national picture to date of children and young people living with life-limiting conditions in Ireland.
Understanding the scale of need
While these children represent less than 1% of the population, the study highlights that they account for a disproportionate level of hospital care, with often highly complex needs.
This includes:
- Longer hospital stays
- Higher use of intensive care
- Greater reliance on medical technologies
These findings demonstrate the scale and complexity of care required — and the importance of ensuring services are designed to meet these needs.
A call for policy and service development
Led by Trinity College Dublin, the study highlights the urgent need to ensure that:
- National policy reflects current levels of need
- Services are aligned with the complexity of care required
- Families receive appropriate support throughout their journey
The research comes at an important time, as planning for children’s palliative care services in Ireland continues to evolve.
A collaborative national effort
Irish Hospice Foundation is proud to support this research, alongside funding partners LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, and the Health Research Board (HRB).
The study reflects a strong collaborative approach, bringing together researchers, clinicians, services, policymakers, and families — ensuring that the findings are grounded in both evidence and lived experience.
Behind every number is a child and a family
While the statistics are striking, they represent real children and families navigating complex and often challenging care journeys.
Behind every number is a child and a family navigating complex care.
This research is a vital step in ensuring that their needs are:
- Better understood
- More visible within the healthcare system
- Supported through policy, services and care planning
Explore the key findings and recommendations from the ECHPI study.
