New Reading Initiative Launched In Healthcare Waiting Rooms Across Co Wexford

A new initiative encouraging parents and children to read together while waiting for healthcare appointments is being introduced at five locations across County Wexford.

The Read While You Wait programme was officially launched at the Paediatric Outpatients Department of Wexford General Hospital.

Developed by HSE Dublin and South East in partnership with Wexford Library Service, the initiative will see small bookshelves stocked with age-appropriate children's books placed in hospital and community healthcare waiting areas.

The five confirmed locations are:

• Wexford General Hospital's Paediatric Outpatients Department

• Wexford Primary Care Centre

• Gorey Health Centre

• New Ross Health Centre

• Children's Disability Network Centre in Barntown

Families will be encouraged to pick up a book and read together while waiting for appointments, with the books remaining on site for others to enjoy.

The initiative aims to support children's early language development, encourage positive reading habits and help make waiting times more enjoyable for families.

It follows a successful pilot programme in County Waterford and is supported by Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) and Adult Literacy for Life.

Speaking at the launch, Senior Health Promotion Officer with HSE Wexford, Lisa Nangle, said the initiative provides an opportunity to turn everyday waiting time into quality family time.

"Reading with children from an early age is one of the most effective ways to support language, learning and wellbeing. The 'Read While You Wait' initiative creates opportunities for families to enjoy books together during everyday moments, turning waiting time into quality time."

Physiotherapist Manager at Wexford General Hospital, Orla Fahy, welcomed the initiative, saying it would provide a positive and engaging experience for children attending hospital appointments.

Meanwhile, Senior Executive Librarian with Wexford Library Service, Yvonne Smith, said the library service was delighted to select and supply the books for the project.

She said the initiative would help encourage a lifelong love of reading while connecting families with the resources available through their local library.

The Wexford rollout will also explore how partnerships between health services, libraries and literacy organisations can create more opportunities for family learning in everyday community settings.