Children's Ward

The Childrens Ward is a a 22-bed paediatric ward and a 4-bed acute assessment unit providing care for medical, orthopaedic and surgical patients. The ward cares for children from birth through to their 15th birthday.

The Childrens Ward is located on Level 1, Te Kotuku Building, Whangārei Hospital Campus, Hospital Rd, Whangārei

The patients are mainly admitted via the Emergency Department or the paediatric acute assessment unit. The Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) is a 4-bed unit based within the ward.  Referrals to AAU are accepted from ED, GP’s, Midwives and Public Health nurses.

Play specialists are available Monday to Friday to support children during their stay in hospital. The ward also has a well-resourced playroom.

There are eight paediatricians working with the service. The paediatricians hold outpatient clinics based at the Child Health Centre in Whangārei and at Te Whatu Ora’s regional hospitals.

The day-to-day running of the ward is supported by a clinical nurse manager, associate clinical nurse manager and a clinical nurse educator, Monday to Friday from 8.00am-4.30pm. The nursing team are rostered over three shifts and is supported by a multi-disciplinary team including; ward clerks, play specialists, social workers, dietitians, speech language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and Takawaenga (Māori health liaison). Chaplains are also available on request.

The ward has the facilities for one caregiver to stay while their child is in hospital. The caregiver is allocated a bed or lay z boy chair to sleep on and is provided with three meals per day. The caregiver is encouraged to be with their child during their hospital stay as this helps provide a more positive experience for the child.

The team work closely with the Child Health Community Nursing team and other health agencies. When a child is discharged, the team may refer them to a paediatric community nurse for follow up in their own home. At times a child may be asked to return for follow up in the ward or Acute Assessment Unit.

Visiting hours

Click here for visiting hours.

Location

Level 2, Whangārei Hospital
Ph: 09 430 4100