Children’s Emergency Department
Fundraising is now underway to create a dedicated space for children in the Palmerston North Hospital’s Emergency Department. This will provide a whānau focused, child friendly area, separate from the general Emergency Department.
Emergency department attendees are often those who have been involved in trauma or are experiencing a medical emergency, alongside those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This can be a noisy, busy and sometimes frightening experience for children.
Following examples of dedicated spaces for children in Emergency Departments in Waikato, Christchurch and Wellington; Palmerston North Hospital’s Children’s ED will be a valuable and important resource for both whānau and hospital staff.
Proposed 3D view showing four new cubicles and nurses station
The Children’s Emergency Department will feature:
a separate waiting area for tamariki and their whānau, with toys, books, a TV and a kitchenette for parents and whānau to use.
additional bed capacity.
a dedicated treatment area for children.
equipment, furniture, and distraction tools to cater for a range of developmental stages, disabilities, illnesses and injuries.
child-friendly décor and a themed environment that is both peaceful and interesting for tamariki.
baby-changing facilities.
Proposed floor plan for the Children’s Emergency Department
This new space will be created within the current Emergency Department footprint, in the space left vacant by the new ED Observation Area, making this a project that will instantly make a difference for our community without the significant costs and time associated with building a facility.
Proposed 3D view showing the Children’s ED waiting area
Project Update - January 2024
Wow, what a busy few months it's been for us at the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation and for the Children's Emergency Department project. The generosity and support shown from our community has blown us away. Thank you to all of the donors who have supported this special project to date.
We're still actively fundraising to get this project fully funded and your support, no matter how big or small, makes a huge difference.
The support we received in the lead-up to Christmas made it possible for construction prep to take place over the holiday break and we're on track for construction to begin very soon.
The team at the hospital are currently finalising the last of the paperwork. Once this is done, it'll be all go. The space is currently vacant so once the funds are secured and the Council consent approved, the actual construction won’t take long at all.
Depending on final fundraising, we hope to have the Children’s ED open and ready for use in the first half of this year.
Proposed 3D view showing nurses station and treatment room
Thank you to our supporters so far
It takes a community to make a difference
We're reaching out to community groups, funding bodies and local businesses to raise the remaining funds we need to get this special project complete.
If you or your organisation would like to support the Children’s ED project, please get in touch today at info@pnhospitalfoundation.co.nz