MidCentral Group Director of Operations, Sarah Fenwick today officially confirmed the completion of the new children’s area in the Emergency Department in Palmerston North Regional Hospital.
In celebrating the completion of the new area, Fenwick acknowledged the significant contribution the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation made to make this space possible.
“We are so grateful to have such a generous community who have helped make this space possible.
“Having this space available specifically for our children will make their time in the Emergency Department an easier experience. Coming into hospital can be scary, and we feel so lucky to be able to have a dedicated space young people can be seen in, tailored to them and their needs.
“The project received over 180 separate donations over two-years and key supporters will be acknowledged on a donor board within the completed children’s area of the Emergency Department.”
The Foundation donated $700,000 raised by the community to activate the build, with Health New Zealand contributing approximately $570,000.
This new space is a dedicated area for children and their whānau separate from the general Emergency Department and includes a separate waiting area, four additional cubicles, a procedure room, and a nurse’s station.
There will also be a kitchenette, baby-changing facilities, toys, child-friendly decor as well as furniture and distraction tools to cater for a range of developmental stages, disabilities, illnesses and injuries.
The children’s area of the Emergency Department will play an important role in providing the right environment for children to receive urgent medical care.
ENDS