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Variety Donate to Child Development

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 17:11:00 -0500

Variety children's charity arrived at Wellington Children's Hospital in an array of quirky vehicles today to present toys, games and equipment to the hospital's Child Development Team.

The Variety volunteers also brought a special guest with them - Ronald McDonald! Foundation staff and hospital patients were delighted to meet iconic character in person.

Wellington Children's Hospital Centenary Year Coincides with a Major Refurbishment

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:08:00 -0500

Supporters of Wellington Children's Hospital have raised funds to assist with the major refurbishment of the hospital.

The refurbishments were completed in time for Wellington Children's Hospital to celebrate their 100 year centenary. The hospital is the oldest children's hospital in New Zealand.

Two major additions to the children's hospital have been the new Children's Day Ward and Acute Assessment Unit, funded by the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal and the new Oncology Day Stay Unit, funded by Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation, Child Cancer Foundation, the Lion Foundation and the Nikau Foundation.

Supporters of Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation also provided significant funds for the redevelopment of the Play Therapists areas, the wards and the staffing areas.

Pictured above left: His Excellency, Governor General Sir Jerry Matepaere, together with Steven Cole, area manager for Countdown and Karen Bridge charge nurse manager of Ambulatory Paediatrics, open the new Day Ward and Acute Assessment Unit.

Pictured above right: Kirsten Wareham, Countdown Champion who worked hard to raise funds for the new unit, celebrates the opening with husband Karl and son Grayson.

Governor General Launches Centenary Year for Wellington Children's Hospital

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine Mateparae launched Wellington Children's Hospital centenary year with a special visit to the children's hospital on 12th March.

Sir Jerry and Lady Janine cut a centenary cake with Dr Andrew Marshall looking on (pictured above).

Their Excellencies spent time talking with all the sick children who were in hospital at the time.

"There can be no more obvious reflection of a community, and of a country, than the way in which its children are cared for, in a place like this hospital." Sir Jerry said.

Visitor Comforts in the Heart and Lung Unit

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:46:00 -0600

Visitors in the Wellington Regional Heart and Lung Unit now have somewhere comfortable to rest while they await news on loved ones.

The Foundation have provided four chair beds, which fold out to become single beds, for visitor's use.

"Prior to this, visitors with family members who have had heart attacks had to share one two-seater couch" says Shona Brunton, Fundraising Co-ordinator for the Foundation. "It's great to be able to provide them something better to rest on."

Pictured below are Leanne Havill and her team who are delighted with the new chairbeds.

Life Saving Equipment for Neonatal Unit Provided by Community

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:30:00 -0600

Wellington Hospital's Neonatal Patient Retrieval Team has a new tool in their kit to aid in saving patients' lives.

On Monday, Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation presented the team with a portable i-Stat monitor for administering blood gas tests while bringing patients to the Neonatal Unit at Wellington Children's Hospital.

The hand-held monitor will be used for all critical patients that need ventilation or blood tests in the Air Ambulance.

Wellington Hospital's Neonatal Flight Retrieval Team makes at least one flight per day to bring seriously ill patients to Wellington Hospital for treatment.

The monitor delivers results on a variety of blood gases within 8-9 seconds by taking a small blood sample from the infant (via a prick test). The blood is collected on a small cartridge which is inserted into the base of the machine.

Different cartridges measure for different qualities in the blood, from CO2 to glucose and electrolytes. The results are stored in the monitor's memory and can later be sent to a printer using Bluetooth.

Tengseng Ong, Biomedical Technician for the Neonatal Unit, said the advantage of the machine is its portability. "Now we can do blood gas tests off site - in transit, on the ground or in the air. Once the results are received (almost instantaneously) the team can tailor the ventilation strategy and ensure the best treatment for the infant. They can optimise the ventilation by setting how fast the oxygen is delivered, the exhale/inhale times and the number of breaths per minute."

Bill Day, Chair of Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation praised the Wellington community for the part they played in obtaining the equipment.

"It is only through donations from members of the community that equipment like this can be purchased" said Mr Day. "We are thrilled to begin the 100^th year of Wellington Children's Hospital with this gift to the Neonatal Unit funded by Hospital supporters."

Pictured Below: ICU Specialist Alex Psirides, NICU Nurse Manager Rosemary Escott, Transit Flight Co-ordinator Henny Nicholls and NICU Biomedical Technician Tengseng Ong, holding the new i-Stat monitor stand by an incubator used for transport and a close up of the monitor.

Donation of Physio Therapeutic Mats for NICU

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:54:00 -0600

Wellington Hospital's Neonatal Unit received two therapeutic mats yesterday for use by the Unit's Physiotherapists. The mats can be laid on the floor, providing a safe, clean environment for older infants in the NICU.

"The mats provide a change in physical environment for the infant and further opportunities for sensory and motor exploration" said Alison Sheppard, Physiotherapist for the Unit. "They also give parents a chance to get down close to their infant and play with them while they enjoy some great tummy time."

"The Neonatal Unit is an special part of Wellington Children's Hospital. We are delighted that with the community's help, we are able to support infants and families at a time of great need" said Bill Day, Chair of Wellington Hospitals and Health Foundation.

Pictured below is 4 month old Orunuipaora Ruri from Manurewa enjoying some mat time on one of the mats provided by the Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation.

Gingerbread House Challenge raises $11,000 for Sick Kids

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:42:00 -0600

The Prime Hotels Gingerbread House Challenge 2011 has raised an impressive $11,000 for sick kids at Wellington Children's Hospital.

The Challenge, in which participants enter photos of their decorated gingerbread houses to compete for prizes, received more entries than the previous years; a great sign of support for the charity considering the challenges facing the charity dollar in 2011. With last year and this year combined - this unique Christmas fundraiser has raised $21,000 selling Gingerbread Houses.

"There have been more entries on line this year with amazing stories of families coming together and highlighting their support of the hospital charity" said Antoinette Muollo-Aharoni, who created the competition with her sister Justine Muollo. "It's been a real pleasure to be part of this great fundraising cause for The Children's Hospital."

The funds raised will fund much needed medical equipment for the children's hospital that falls outside of government funding.

Mr Bill Day, Chair of Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation, the official charity for Wellington Children's Hospital said "This is a fantastic result. We are very grateful to Antoinette and Justine and their team at Prime Hotels Group and The Protein Company for putting this competition together. The competition received fantastic support from Piri Weepu, Cory Jane, Moore Wilson, Classic Hits, 2e Design and Fisher Print, and it could not have happened without their help."

"It is a great start 2012, which marks the 100th anniversary of Wellington Children's Hospital this year" said Mr Day.

Cory Jane, who judged the Best Memories of Kiwiana category, said "The top three houses represented New Zealand icons very well and now my kids want to start baking! Well done to everyone who entered."

The winners of each category were:
Best Memories of Kiwiana, judged by All Black Cory Jane. Winner: ‘Te Marae' by Cheryl, Robert, Sarah, Rachel and Jacoba Visser.

Best Christmas House, judged by Julie Moore and Lyndal of Moore Wilson. Winner: ‘Heart and Lung Unit Winter Wonder Welly House' by Pamela Ruth Lat.

Best Wellywood House, judged by hospital staff. Winner: ‘WellywoodTastic' by Sheree, Natalya, Leon and Sascha Williams.

From the winners of these three categories, an overall winner was chosen - the ‘Heart and Lung Unit Winter Wonder Welly House' by Pamela Ruth Lat.

Puma Fever at Wellington Children's Hospital

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:30:00 -0600

Puma fever has caught on at Wellington Children's Hospital as the Sevens rugby team from the Republic of Argentina visit families in hospital today.

This is the 3rd year that the Pumas Sevens team have visited the children's hospital, in a visit organised between the Foundation and the Embassy of the Republic of Argentina in New Zealand.

His Excellency Mr. Fernando Escalona, Ambassdor to New Zealand for the Rupublic of Argentina, also meet with families and hospital staff.

His Excellency, the Pumas and the Embassy in New Zealand are great supporters of the children's hospital and their visits always delight families on the wards.

Santa Visits Kids in Hospital

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:30:00 -0600

Kirkcaldie & Stains Ltd brought a special visitor to Wellington Children's Hospital today.

Santa made sure every patient and their brother and sisters received their own 'Kirky' bear.

Santa himself, who has visited the children's hospital 4 years in a row, takes great pleasure in meeting the children in hospital and adding a bit of joy to their day.

Kirkcaldie & Stains are strong Charity Partners of Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation. Kirkcaldie & Stains staff and management give a lot of their time to support the Foundation and children in hospital - including decorating the wards every Christmas.

Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal 2011 Benefits Wellington Children's Hospital

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:00:00 -0600

Countdown supermarket staff today presented a large donation of $108,520 to doctors, nurses and senior staff from Wellington Children's Hospital and Capital & Coast District Health Board.

The funds were raised through the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal, held in Countdown supermarkets nationwide.

Now in its fifth year, the 2011 appeal raised more than $844,000 to support 10 dedicated children's hospitals and wards across the country.

All funds raised during the appeal period, from 1 August to 30 October, go towards purchasing medical and surgical equipment for the hospitals, including Wellington Children's Hospital.

Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal Chairperson Ruth Krippner said more than 18,000 Countdown team members, as well as support offices and suppliers nationwide created many unique events and sold thousands of raffle tickets to support the appeal.

"Wellington has a really great team. All of the staff and customers really get in behind the appeal and work very hard to raise these much-needed funds," said Ms Krippner.

Funds received from the Appeal will purchase medical and surgical equipment for Wellington Children's Hospital, which turns 100 in March.

"The community's support is extremely important to Wellington Children's Hospital" said Bill Day, Chair of Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation.

"Countdown staff and customers are making a real difference to our Children's Health and we cannot thank them enough.

C&CDHB staff accepting the cheque - Mal Joyce, Operations Manager, Child's Health; Kaye Husdon, Operations Manager, Surgical Services; Karen Bridge, Charge Nurse Manager, Paediatric Outpatients; Dr Geoff Robinson, Chief Medical Officer; Chris Lowry, Chief Operating Officer and Mary Bonner, Chief Executive Officer.

NZSO Perform for Renal Patients

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:30:00 -0600

Wellington Hospital's Renal Dialysis Unit was transformed today when a trio of musicians from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra filled the Unit with beautiful music.

Patients in the Unit receive treatment three times a week with each session lasting five hours. Today's special visit came as a welcome relief for 67 year old patient Saitutuila Taliulu and her young family.

The trio, featuring Kristina Zelinska (violin), Peter Barber (viola) and Rowan Prior (cello) delighted patients with music by Haydn, Schubert and Beethoven.

The hour long performance is part of the Orchestra's Community Program.

"It is really important that the national orchestra is out in the community and we look forward to more visits to the hospital in future" says Miss Lewis.

NZSO Community Programmes are an opportunity for musicians to engage with the wider communities of New Zealand. Members of the orchestra have given free performances in schools, rest homes and various other community locations throughout the year, providing exciting and innovative ways for people to access the orchestra.

"Working with groups like the NZSO, to brighten up the time they spend in hospital is really important to our Foundation." said Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation spokeswoman, Maria Quigley.

This evening, the NZSO will perform the first of it's Christmas Pops tour concerts at the Wellington Town Hall.

All Blacks kick off Gingerbread House Challenge

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:07:00 -0600

All Blacks Piri Weepu and Cory Jane kicked off the 2011 Prime Hotels Gingerbread Challenge at Wellington Children's Hospital on Thursday.

The Gingerbread House Challenge, created by Wellington sister Antoinette and Justine Muollo, is now in its second year. In 2010 the event raised $10,000 for Wellington Children's Hospital.

"Decorating a gingerbread house has always been a fun Christmas tradition in my family" says Antoinette. "It brings everyone together and creates a really memorable family experience. We wanted to share the idea with other families and raise funds for the Wellington Children's Hospital, because it touches so many families lives, and you never know when you might need it."

Children and families in the hospital on Thursday were delighted to meet their idols Cory Jane and Foundation Ambassador, Piri Weepu. Both boys spent time on the wards talking with the kids and signing anything the children had on hand. Cory's wife and two sons also attended the event.

Kits and Competitions:

Kits cost $25.00 with $10.00 from the sale of each house going to Wellington Children's Hospital. They can be purchased at The Hospital Gift Shop at the main entrance of Wellington Hospital, Moore Wilsons in Wellington City and at Prime Hotels - The Able Tasman Hotel or Central City Apartment Hotel.

Decorated houses can be entered in three different competitions, for either Best Decorated Christmas House, Best "Wellywood" House or Best "Memories of Kiwiana 2011" House.

Prizes up for grabs include an iPad, iPod touches, accommodation and more.

Cory Jane will be judging the category "the best memories of Kiwiana 2011", other judges and the final judging date will be confirmed in the New Year (see prime hotels.co.nz/kidscharity)

AUCTION: The house from the launch is being auctioned on TradeMe, along with a photo of the house which has been signed by Piri Weepu and Cory Jane. View the auction here

Patients See Sleeping Beauty

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:30:00 -0500

Wellington Children's Hospital patients attended the dress rehearsal of Royal New Zealand Ballet's Sleeping Beauty last night, thanks to a donation from the ballet's national sponsor, Meridian Energy.

The night out came as a welcome relief for 13 year old Holly Davies and her mother Tania who have spent the last 8 weeks in Wellington Children's Hospital.
Holly, who is awaiting transfer to Burwood Hospital in Christchurch, was delighted to see the show. "I'm so happy we came" she said as the overture ended and the curtain was raised on the first act.

"I've never been to the ballet before and this is such a fantastic opportunity" said her mother Tania. "It's great that there are people out there who want to donate to the hospital for our kids".

5 year old Ciara was extremely excited to see the ballet and very familiar with the story line, "I want to see the Prince kiss Sleeping Beauty" she said.

The visit, coordinated by Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation, included a private meet and greet with Sir Jon Trimmer and Alayna Ng who dance as King Florestan XXIV and Lady Florine in the popular ballet.

Hospital Staff to Ride Out for Sick Kids

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:33:00 -0500

All Cyclists Invited to Take Part

Wellington Hospital staff have begun training for the 2012 HOSPI Bike Ride. In its 4^th year, the annual hospital to hospital charity bike ride will be held on Sunday 11^th March in support of Wellington Children's Hospital.

The iconic fun ride is a hit among Wellington Hospital staff who take part in the event every year, including Chief Operating Officer, Chris Lowry. "The HOSPI is a great event and for a wonderful cause" said Mrs Lowry. "It is challenging in parts but it is very enjoyable, even for amateur riders such as myself, and provides the chance to ride through many beautiful parts of Wellington."

As in past years, there is an open invitation to cyclists of all skill levels to take part in the relay, team or individual sections. Participant numbers are expected to exceed this year's record of 320 as the ride is being held two days before the 100^th anniversary of Wellington Children's Hospital.

The annual ride, organised by Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation and Cyclosport NZ, is greatly supported by hospital staff, supporters and businesses throughout Wellington.

The ride will follow the same great course, beginning at Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua. Cyclists ride through many Wellington suburbs: Tawa, Churton Park, Johnsonville, Makara, Karori, Northland, Aro Valley, Brooklyn, Happy Valley, Owhiro Bay, Island Bay and Newtown - to reach the finish line at the new Wellington Regional Hospital.

For more information about the bike ride and to register, please visit www.hospibikeride.co.nz.

Pictured above left: Wellington Children's Hospital patients Kaylah, Rosie, Yumi and Maia with avid HOSPI cyclist Cindy Darroch and HOSPI the Hospital Lion.

Pictured above right: Capital & Coast District Health Board staffs Cindy Darroch, Neil Coull-Roberts, Adam Simpson, Paul Peacock and Chris Lowry with hospital patient Yumi Sato and HOSPI the Hospital Lion.

Irish Rugby World Cup Team in Hospital

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:24:00 -0500

Families in Wellington Children's Hospital on Friday were ecstatic to meet the Irish Rugby World Cup Team before their sudden departure from the Cup this weekend.

The players left a great impression on many young fans and excited staff when they stopped by; including the hospital's own Irish lass, Paediatric Nurse Specialist Sinead Gannon, who lead the cheer section as the team arrived.

The visit was very entertaining and moving. Abby, pictured below in jumbo size glasses, is a keen rugby player and was on of the many fans who were delighted to meet the players.

Visit HOSPI's Facebook page for more photos.

All Blacks Visit Kids During Rugby World Cup

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:00:00 -0500

The atmosphere was electric at Wellington Children's Hospital on Friday, with a special visit from All Blacks playing in the Rugby World Cup.

Conrad Smith, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Jimmy Cowan and Owen Franks spent their free time with patients, families and staff at Wellington Children's Hospital.

Children were delighted that their heroes had taken time to meet them in hospital. Watching Ali Williams duck under doorways and Brad Thorn cuddling babies is a memory that rugby-mad families and hospital staff will cherish forever.

Pictured below is Nathan's family with the players, Iosefa with Brad, Ali Williams helping 1 year old Oliver learn how to walk and staff from Ward 19 with the players.

To see more photos, visit HOSPI's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wellingtonchildrenshospital.

Footrot Flats Screening For Kids

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:07:00 -0500

Rugby Fever Catches On!

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0500

We have caught rugby fever here at the Foundation! 200 of our Volunteer knitters have made 100% wool, black and white rugby jerseys, beanies and boots as the country gears up for the Rugby World Cup.

All of the items are for sale and they are flying out the door! Make sure your baby, or a friends baby, is dressed to support our national team! Purchase a set online or pop into our Gift Shop at Wellington Hospital. The black rugby style jerseys have white collars and silver ferns as do the black and white beanies. The boots even feature sprigs!

There are also 3 rugby sets and one framed premature baby sized rugby jersey up for auction on TradeMe. View the auctions at http://trade.me/rugbyknits

The sets featured on Breakfast this morning when 14 month old Thomas and 4month old twins Alexis and Ruby were interviewed by Lucas De Jong (pictured).

This is a great fundraiser for Wellington Children's Hospital, where you get something adorable in return! We appreciate your support!

Countdown Quiz for Kids

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0500

Countdown Johnsonville staff held a fundraising quiz last night as part of the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal, supporting children's hospital and wards throughout New Zealand.

100 people took part in the event at the 1841 Restaurant and Bar, raising more than $1,700. The event was such a great success that the organising committee are planning to hold another Quiz Night in October.

The annual appeal, now in its 5th year, is held nationwide in Countdown and Woolworths supermarkets.

See here for more exciting events coming up.

Pictured: Melanie Rae and Jessica Black, part of the organising committee for the quiz night, with HOSPI:

Final Lions Visit of Season

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:00:00 -0500

The Vodafone Wellington Lions made their final visit to Wellington Children's Hospital for the 2011 season today.

Children in the wards were ecstatic to meet some of their favourite rugby players, including 7 year old Luke who challenged the players to an XBox game.

Families in hospital were very greatful that the players took the time to visit ahead of their last home game for the season tomorrow night.