Table 1 Synoptic table of the EACH and AOPI charters of sick children's rights

1. Children shall be admitted to hospital only if the care they require cannot be equally well provided at home or on a day basis.

1. Children have the right to the highest level of health possible.

2. Children in hospital shall have the right to have their parents or parent substitute with them at all times.

2. Children have the right to be cared for as a whole.

3. (1) Accommodation should be offered to all parents and they should be helped and encouraged to stay. (2) Parents should not need to incur additional costs or suffer loss of income (3) In order to share in the care of their child, parents should be kept informed about ward routine and their active participation encouraged.

3. Children have the right to receive the highest level of treatment and care.

4. (1) Children and parents shall have the right to be informed in a manner appropriate to age and understanding. (2) Steps should be taken to mitigate physical and emotional stress

4. Children have the right to respect for their personal, cultural and religious identity.

5. (1) Children and parents have the right to informed participation in all decisions involving their health care (2) Every child shall be protected from unnecessary medical treatment and investigation.

5. Children have the right to have their privacy guaranteed.

6. (1) Children shall be cared for together with children who have the same developmental needs and shall not be admitted to adult wards.(2) There should be no age restrictions for visitors to children in hospital.

6. Children have the right to the safeguarding of their own physical, psychic and relational development. They have the right to keep their relationships with others, even during isolation. Children also have the right not to be subjected to any form of restraint.

7. Children shall have full opportunity for play, recreation and education suited to their age and condition and shall be in an environment designed, furnished, staffed and equipped to meet their needs.

7. Children have the right to be informed about their health conditions and about the procedures they will undergo, according to their developmental stage and self-awareness level. They have the right to freely express their opinions on any matter and to have them taken into consideration.

8. 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.

8. Children have the right to express their assent or dissent regarding decisions involving their health care.

9. Continuity of care should be ensured by the team caring for children.

9. Children have the right to express their assent or dissent regarding participation in clinical trials.

10. Children shall be treated with tact and understanding and their privacy shall be respected at all times.

10. Children have the right to express their discomfort or suffering as well as to undergo the least invasive and painful treatments.

11. Children have the right to be protected against any form of maltreatment, abuse, violence or neglect.

12. Children have the right to be trained to be independent as much as possible in the management of their own disease.

13. Minors have the right to access healthcare professionals and ask them questions confidentially and without the intervention of their parents.

14. Children and their families have the right to participation.