Over 350 children will die in Ireland this year as a result of a life-limiting illness, however many of these children will not be able to access the specialist palliative care services that they need, the country's only children's hospice has warned.

LauraLynn Children's Hospice opened in 2011 and since then, it has provided specialised care to over 325 children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Unlike a hospital, the hospice focuses on how each child can live with their condition. It also provides support to the child's family, who may be under huge emotional, physical and financial pressure.

"There are over 3,800 children in Ireland currently living with a life-limiting condition, with 700 of them and their families needing hospice care. Tragically, 352 children with a life-limiting illness will die this year, most within their first year of life. For many of these families, specialist palliative care services that they so badly need are inaccessible," explained LauraLynn CEO, Sharon Morrow.

As part of Children's Hospice Week 2017, which runs from May 22-28, LauraLynn is calling for a renewed focus in this area.

Ms Morrow noted that Ireland is the only country with a policy for palliative care for children with life-limiting conditions. She said that now that this policy is in place, ‘what families need is a cohesive service plan for hospice care to ensure their children, regardless of where they are living, can access the care they need'.

"To mark Children's Hospice Week, LauraLynn is calling for the Government, the HSE and healthcare professionals to work with us to create a plan for the hundreds of children living with life-limiting conditions in Ireland, and their families who need hospice care now," Ms Morrow explained.

LauraLynn provides essential support to children and their families where ever they want, whether this is in the hospice, hospital, community or child's own home. Services include symptom management for children, psychological support, play and music therapy, family and sibling camps, and end-of-life care.

LauraLynn also provides bereavement support to families after they have lost a child.

As part of this year's Children's Hospice Week, TV3 will be partnering with LauraLynn to raise awareness and funds. This will include TV3 hosting and airing the first Children's Hospice Telethon across all daytime programmes on May 26.

All funds raised will be used to provide specialised care and support for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

It costs €5.2 million per year to keep LauraLynn's Children Hospice open, €3.5 million of which must be generated each year through fundraised income.

For more information on Children's Hospice Week, click here, or to donate €4, text SUPERHERO to 50300. (Texts cost €4 and LauraLynn will receive a minimum of €3.25.)