The extension includes a 10-cot neonatal unit, a 22-bed paediatric ward, 4-bed paediatric acute assessment unit, providing specialist care for tamariki across Te Tai Tokerau. The new facility has a well-resourced playroom, and children’s ward play specialists are available during the week to support children during their hospital stays. Mackenzie Campbell helped Dr Reti cut the ribbon to officially open the children’s ward. It was great to see Mackenzie, who has been the face of the Whangārei Children’s Ward Refurbishment fundraising campaign, which the Northland Community Foundation manages on behalf of Health NZ in Te Tai Tokerau. To date, $257,000 has been raised through the fundraising campaign, which has allowed the purchase of much of the additional medical equipment, toys and games, and sofa beds and recliners on the campaign wish list. After cutting the ribbon, Mackenzie toured the ward and had a great time checking out all the new toys in the playroom, funded by donations to the campaign. Minister Reti said a special thank you to the Northland Community Foundation for the partnership with Health NZ, which facilitated fundraising for the optional extras to make the children’s ward child-friendly, comfortable and welcoming. Northland Community Foundation would like to thank all of our donors and sponsors for their support. A huge thank you to Tikipunga Children’s Home, Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grant Board, Oxford Charitable Sports Trust, Lindsay Foundation, and the National Assistance Fund. We also extend a huge thank you to the many individual donors whose names will be included in a piece of artwork, currently being created which will be sited at the entrance of the building, alongside the major donors and funders.
