All activities in the New Children's Hospital are guided by pediatric healthcare standards based on the UN's Convention on the Rights of the Child. These standards have been drawn up in collaboration between various professional groups and parents.
Children's rights in hospital have been previously described on the website of Finland's NOBAB organisation (a Nordic network for children’s and adolescents’ rights in healthcare). Finland's NOBAB organisation along with other Nordic countries is a member of the organisation Nordisk förening för sjuka barns behov. The organisation also represents Finland in the European Association for Children in Hospital network that works to promote children's rights in medical care.
ADMITTANCE TO HOSPITAL CARE
Children shall be admitted to hospital only if the care they require cannot be equally well provided at home or on a day basis.
RIGHT TO HAVE PARENTS PRESENT
Children in hospital shall have the right to have their parents or parent substitute with them at all times.
SECURING THE PARENTS’ PRESENCE
Accommodation should be offered to all parents and they should be helped and encouraged to stay.
RECEIVING INFORMATION
Children and parents shall have the right to be informed in a manner appropriate to age and understanding. Steps should be taken to mitigate physical and emotional stress.
INFORMED DECISIONS
Children and parents have the right to informed participation in all decisions involving their healthcare. Every child shall be protected from unnecessary medical treatment and investigation.
TREATMENT ENVIRONMENT
Children shall be cared for together with children who have the same developmental needs and shall not be admitted to adult wards. There should be no age restrictions for visitors to children in hospital.
SUPPORTING NORMAL DEVELOPMENT
Children shall have full opportunity for play, recreation and
education suited to their age and condition. They shall be an environment designed, furnished, staffed and equipped to meet their needs.
STAFF SUITABLE FOR TREATING CHILDREN
Children shall be cared for by staff whose training and skills enable them to respond to the physical, emotional and developmental needs of children and families.
CONTINUITY
Continuity of care should be ensured by the team caring for children. A follow-up plan should be ready by the time the child is discharged from hospital.
INVIOLABILITY
Children shall be treated with tact and understanding and their privacy shall be respected at all times.