The purpose of the Whangārei Children’s Ward Refurbishment is to ensure that every child who becomes a patient at Whangārei Hospital benefits fully from a calm and supportive environment. Donations will provide items such as comfortable chairs and beds for patients and caregivers, distraction devices (interactive wall designs, graphite wall wraps, treatment room monitors, TVs for patient rooms, special learning equipment, laptops, and gaming consoles), upgraded furniture and new whiteware. We also need support for Te Reo Māori resources (wall decals, books, and games)and additional paediatric medical equipment specifically designed to support the clinical needs of our tamariki. This in turn will have the added benefit of helping to reduce the pressure on an already stretched health system. These donations will allow us to go above and beyond the traditional clinical setting, which is more conducive to the care and environment we want to provide for our tamariki in hospital.Andrew Higgott CEO from the Lindsay Foundation which provided a $25,000 grant for the Children’s Ward Play Equipment said: “Last year Greta Buchanan (CEO of the Northland Community Foundation) kindly organised a tourthrough the Whangārei Children’s Ward with Judith Hapi (Whangārei Children’s Ward Manager) and Yvonne Hunter (Child Health Team Manager). The tour highlighted Whangārei Children’s Ward and Whangārei Hospital’s significant and urgent need for resourcing and support. Our Trustees also saw news coverage about the significant lack of resources forWhangārei Hospital. This encouraged us to give our donation to support the Children’s Ward.”Judith Hapi, Whangārei Children’s Ward Manager said: “Thanks to the Lindsay Foundation, our wish for play equipment has been answered! We can now purchase gaming systems, Lego and technic sets, board games, a 3D printer, guitar and keyboard, art packs for crafts, toy sets, and sensory items for children with special needs for the Whangārei Children’s Ward. Our children are going to be so happy that they can use these during their stay. It’s going to make a real difference for staff and caregivers as well, in helping to distract children from their illnesses and ailments. It will help children stay calm for treatments, and perhaps even mean that they can enjoy a little bit of their time here in hospital as they recover. Thank you so much Lindsay Foundation!”With $400,000 still to go to reach our fundraising goal we still need your help. If you would like to find out more about the Appeal, or if you would like to donate or fundraise on our behalf, go to our website here:https://northlandcommunityfoundation.org.nz/giving/funds/health/whangarei-childrens-ward-refurbishment/
