We give a smile back to 65 children out of every 100: here are the figures that tell the story of the strength of the Smile House network

We give the smile back to 65 children out of 100: here are the figures that tell the strength of the Smile House network

On 19 and 20 September 2024, during the 1st Smile House National Conference in Rome, we presented some extraordinary data: 65% of the children born in Italy with cleft lip and palate, the so-called harelip, are treated by Smile House Fondazione ETS. A result that shows just how essential this network of excellence is, with its eight specialised Centres distributed across our national territory, in guaranteeing quality care close to home, without forcing families into exhausting journeys.

Real help for thousands of families

Since 2010 our network has carried out over 45,000 visits for enrolment in the programme and provided more than 93,000 multidisciplinary consultations, offering a complete care pathway that accompanies children from birth until the end of their growth. Thanks to this assistance, more than 4,700 surgical operations have been performed, allowing many children to overcome the physical and psychological difficulties linked to cleft lip and palate.

Recognition of the quality of our work

During the conference we also received our first Quality certification (EFQM), with the award of two stars. This prize recognises the excellence of our work in guaranteeing specialist care and continuous support to families, with a model that acts alongside the national health service, places patients and their families at the centre and seeks to minimise healthcare migration by offering the best possible care as close to home as it can.

A network that accompanies

The great value of Smile House lies not only in its surgical operations, but also in the complete support it offers to families. Children are cared for from prenatal diagnosis through to the rehabilitation stage, and emotional and logistical help is also ensured for parents who are often bewildered when faced with these challenges. With its 8 Centres distributed across Italy, the Smile House network is a true beacon of hope for many families!

A future full of smiles

We are already looking to the future, with the aim of consolidating the Smile House network, investing in the specialist training of our staff and strengthening our collaboration with health institutions, in order to offer increasingly accessible, quality care. Our commitment is clear: to give every child the chance of a future full of smiles, staying close to their families at every stage of the journey!

Smile House ETS is committed to giving smiles and hope to thousands of children and their families. If you would like to learn more about our mission and help us, keep reading our blog and find out how you can contribute!