Advocacy and other organisations which support patients and families
There are various organisations and agencies in Ireland that can provide advocacy or support services either directly or indirectly to patients and their families when dealing with hospitals or other health care services. We have listed some key organisation and agencies below and provided links to their websites.
Cairde is a community development organisation working to improve ethnic minority access to health services, and ethnic minority participation in health planning and delivery.
The Citizens Information Board is the statutory body which supports the provision of information, advice and advocacy on a broad range of public and social services.
Dignity 4 Patients is a patient-centred organisation that works to support persons affected by sexual assault and / or inappropriate behaviour whilst a patient in a medical or therapeutic setting.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre is a national organisation offering a wide range of services to women and men who are affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or childhood sexual abuse.
Empowering People in Care is an independent association that works throughout the Republic of Ireland, with and for children and young people who are currently living in care or who have had an experience of living in care.
The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network focuses on delivering change across a series of areas including legal recognition and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relationships and families; mental health and well-being; and physical and sexual health.
Healthcomplaints.ie provides information on how to make a complaint or give feedback about health and social care services in Ireland. This website has been developed for people who use health and social care services in Ireland, as well as for their families, caregivers and advocates.
Inclusion Ireland (the National Association for People with an Intellectual Disability) is the umbrella organisation of over 160 organisations and provides information and advice on matters affecting people with an intellectual disability.
The Irish Advocacy Network is a peer-led, island-wide organisation which promotes equal citizenship to people with mental health difficulties through advocacy, information and support in partnership with other organisations.
The Irish Hospice Foundation is a national charity dedicated to all matters relating to dying, death and bereavement in Ireland. The Foundation strives for the best care at end of life for people who are dying and practical support for their loved ones.
The Irish Patients’ Association advocate for the needs of patients to be paramount while working in partnership with health providers.
The Mental Health Commisson’s main functions are to promote, encourage and foster high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services and to protect the interests of patients who are involuntarily admitted.
The National Advocacy Service was set up to provide independent, representative advocacy services for people with disabilities. It is supported by the Citizens Information Board.
The National Patient Safety Office focuses on leading key patient safety policy initiatives.
Patient Safety First is the website of the Patient Safety Initiative in Ireland which provides information, documentation and links to useful resources and developments in patient safety in Ireland.
Pavee Point is made up of Roma, Travellers and members of the majority population working together for the realisation of human rights for minority groups. The organisation works in many specific areas including drug and alcohol addiction, violence against women and health.
Sage Advocacy promotes, protects and defends the rights and dignity of vulnerable adults, older people and healthcare patients.
You and Your Health Service is a health service charter that describes what you can expect when using health and social care services in Ireland, and what your responsibilities are.