A stay in Barretstown offers something that we can never achieve in hospital- it gives our patients their childhood back and completes the healing process. Dr. Jane Pears, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist, Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin
The Med Shed
The Med Shed state-of-the-art medical facility provides 24/7 care for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses, ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers attending Barretstown’s residential camps.
The Med Shed
Barretstown is the largest and most established provider in Ireland of therapeutic camps and programmes, which provides for the unmet psychosocial needs of children and teenagers impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses. Barretstown will support over 250,000 seriously ill children and families by the end of the decade.
The new 450 metre square building has three fully equipped treatment rooms, facilitating the provision of critical treatments across 14 different illness groups. The facility also includes a pharmacy, bedrooms, reception and communal areas. Staffed by a full-time medical team, supported by volunteer doctors and nurses, the new upgraded and expanded facility will ensure that children and teenagers can enjoy the full benefits of Barretstown’s residential camps, whilst not compromising their medical care.
How are the medical needs of the children met?
Our medical team observes the medical regime advised by the child’s doctor. Our med shed is affiliated with Our Lady’s Children Hospital in Dublin.
Will my child be checked into the med shed on arrival day?
Every child is seen in the Med Shed on arrival day, regardless of whether they are on medication or not. The nursing staff check in the children who are not receiving any medication. This assessment is brief and consists of the nurse obtaining additional information such as allergies, special needs and dressing requirements which may not be noted on the child’s chart. The nurse is also responsible for explaining the Med Shed facilities to the child and addressing any concerns or questions they may have.
The children requiring treatment while on site are seen by one of the volunteer doctors along with a nurse. The child’s medication are transcribed onto the Barretstown prescription sheets and signed by the doctor. At this time they may also obtain information in relation to blood draws, dressing procedures and further treatment which are pertinent to the child’s stay at Barretstown.
Does my child need to bring their medication with them?
Children on treatment are required to bring their medication in the original container and any equipment required for special medical care.
What if my child's medication has changed since the application form was sent in?
If there have been changes to medication or treatment please fill in the ‘Arrival Day Update’ sheet which you will have received with your application form, and bring it with you to camp. When the children are checked-in through the med shed all medical forms including the arrival update sheet will be reviewed.
Still have questions?
We would be delighted to answer any questions that you have around the Med Shed here at Barretstown. You can reach us on 045 864115 of why not email us on the below link.
Email BarretstownSee what others have to say
Barretstown does what hospitals are not in a position to do: namely, carefully attending to the psychosocial needs of children and young people The overarching ambition is to offer them a safe, happy and care-free environment. Prof Owen Smith, Consultant Haematology, Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin
At Barretstown I felt like we’d been given the ability to breathe again. At times, you can feel like you’re drowning. And that’s how we were feeling at that moment. It couldn’t have come at a better time.Mark, Daniel's Dad
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