Kidz First Children’s Hospital is situated at Middlemore Hospital and provides care for children in the local South Auckland region and a referral service for specialised care for children with burn injuries, nationally.
The Kidz First Children’s Hospital was purpose built in 2000, has 75 beds for children aged 1 month to 14 years, a special neonatal unit for children born very early and, in the emergency department, a separate unit for children (all children who need to go to emergency care must go in the front door of emergency care and then will be taken to the children’s department).
Being admitted to hospital
Children can be admitted to either the surgical unit for elective, orthopaedic or plastic surgery (this includes burn injuries) or the medical unit for children with infections or breathing difficulties.
We know that families are a primary source of strength and support for a sick child and that recovery and healing happens within the context of a family. We believe that a parent/caregiver (over the age of 16 years) who the child knows well is important in supporting a child in hospital and we provide amenities for one adult to stay overnight (bed and meals). Siblings are not permitted to stay overnight unless negotiated with the Charge Nurse. Siblings are welcome to visit during the day.
Family and Visiting
We encourage immediate family to be present during the day, those who can best support the child, but ask that visitors respect the visiting hours of 2pm to 8pm, that no more that 2 adults visit at a time and ask that you do not bring children to visit. If you are unwell, have a cold, flu, or infection we ask you not to visit.
Working together with families
When you share information and observations about your child and learn about your child’s treatments, medications and procedures, you help to create a partnership with the healthcare team that keeps your child safe and advances his or her health.
Many professionals can work with your child; they may include doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, speech language therapists, play specialist, phlebotomist (people who take blood for testing) and social workers. You may not see all of these people, but they are available to help your child while in hospital.
Kidz First Inpatient Services are part of a teaching hospital and you may meet many students while your child is in hospital.
Going home
Some children may be referred to services in the community so that when they go home the hospital is still in contact with your family.
Parking
There is some free parking available for one parent (parking spaces permitted). We do not have enough free parking spaces for all families. Please see the ward clerk. Unfortunately we cannot provide free parking for outpatient visits.
Kidshealth for Information on Child and Youth Health
www.kidshealth.org.nz
kidshealth is a child and youth health information website to support parents and health professionals.
The kidshealth site includes important information such as keeping children well, medical conditions and helping families through many health complexities such as disability, education and accessing welfare assistance. Material has been developed with substantial input from many professionals, experts and parents from all over the country.
The site is a joint initiative between the Starship Foundation and the Paediatric Society of New Zealand and proudly sponsored by ASB.
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