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Puma Fever at Wellington Children's Hospital

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:30:00 -0800

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 -0800

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 -0800

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 -0800

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 -0800

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 -0700

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 -0700

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 -0700

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 -0700

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.

Rugby Fever Catches On!

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0700

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 -0700

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 -0700

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.

Motu Matu'u Shows His Softer Side

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:42:00 -0700

Vodafone Wellington Lion Hooker Motu Matu'u showed his softer side today, cuddling 8 month old Kahlai at Wellington Children's Hospital.

Motu was visiting sick kids in hospital along with team mates Arden David, Scott Fuglistaller, Brad Shield, Lima Sopoaga, Apoua Stewart and Whetu Henry.

Wellington Children's Hospital has been the official charity of the Vodafone Wellington Lions since 2008. Team members visit kids in hospital every week during the Lions season - much to the delight of all the kids, families and staff.

More photos from the players hospital visits can be seen at www.facebook.com/wellingtonchildrenshospital.

From Checkout to Childrens Hospital with Love

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:31:00 -0700

50 Countdown and Woolworths Supermarket staff performed Laparoscopic Surgery at Wellington Children's Hospital today for the Wellington launch of the 2011 Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.

When staff arrived at the hospital, they were surprised to be asked to dress up in hospital scrubs and surgical gloves before performing laparoscopic surgery on a box.

Area Manager Steven Cole works with Gaye Croissett from Countdown Johnsonville and Karori Countdown staff member Molly Whiteman holds the camera while Kilbirnie Countdown staff member Sam Andrews performs 'surgery'.

The annual appeal, formerly known as the Fresh Future Appeal, runs nationwide from 1^st August - 30^th October in Countdown and Woolworths supermarkets since 2007. The appeal has raised almost $4 million over four years to 10 dedicated children's wards and hospitals in New Zealand, including Wellington Children's Hospital.

The Appeal includes a range of nationwide fundraising activities, including a raffle with prizes including a Suzuki Swift, a vMoto scooter and thousands of dollars of grocery and fuel vouchers. Raffle tickets can be purchased in Countdown and Woolworths supermarkets as well as The Gift Shop at Wellington Hospital.

Wellington fundraising events are listed here.

Ruth Krippner, chair of the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal said, "So many people contribute in so many ways to help New Zealand's sick children. Some sponsored 19 riders to cycle 1600 kilometres around Lake Taupo. In Whakatane, around 1100 locals paid for a slice of the world's longest cake. And in 160 supermarkets, countless others put their loose change in our donation boxes and bought specially marked hot cross buns and lollipops" said Ruth.

Funds from the 2010 Fresh Future Appeal enabled the purchase of a Prismaflex Dialysis Machine for Wellington Children's Hospital for use in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and 10 Sleep Apnoea Monitors for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

All Blacks Visit Sick Kids Before Game

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 11:00:00 -0700

All Blacks Ben Smith, Israel Dagg and Sitiveni Sivivatu stopped by Wellington Children's Hospital ahead of the team's big match against the Springboks at Westpac Stadium (which the All Blacks won 40-7).

The visit, organised by Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation, was a major highlight for many of the young children in hospital including major rugby fan, Max (pictured) who was positive his favourite team would win.

Max, who has been in hospital for a week, thought it was 'pretty cool' to have a visit from his idols.

TV1, TV3 and Prime News all covered the visit.

Vodafone Wellington Lions Visit Sick Kids

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:52:00 -0700

The Vodafone Wellington Lions have kicked off their rugby season with a special visit to Wellington Children's Hospital.

The Lions have been supporting the children's hospital for a number of years now and their regular visits are a highlight for many children and families in hospital.

"It is so fantastic that the players come in" said Fiona, mother of 9 year old rugby fan Max. "It really made Max's day".

Music is the Best Medicine

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:30:00 -0700

International Israeli musician Tal Kravitz played a special performance for children and families in Ward 18 of Wellington Children's Hospital today, showing that maybe musician is the best medicine.

Tal is in New Zealand as part of a whirl-wind tour which includes performances at Embassies, workshops at the School of Music and free shows at the Wellington Town Hall and Te Papa.

During his visit on Ward 18 of the children's hospital, Tal played an amazing variety of instruments including the guitar, percussion, bagpipes and the musical saw. He sang in several languages including Maori and Hindi and he even yodelled.

The visit was arranged by the Embassy of Israel in Wellington and coordinated by Wellington Hospitals and Health Foundation.

Maria Quigley, Communications Officer for the Foundation said "We really enjoy bringing musicians to the hospital to visit the children. Visits such as these are such a positive experience for the children; it can really turn their day around. The smiles on the kid's faces said it all."

Below: Tal plays the guitar and the musical saw.

Knit World Knits for Newborns

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:22:00 -0700

Staff and customers from Knit World stores throughout New Zealand have been knitting up a storm in support of newborns at Wellington and Kenepuru Hospitals.

Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation, one of the official charities for Knit World this year, received the first delivery of knitted cardigans today.

"We are overwhelmed by the generosity of so many people who so kindly give their time, expertise and finances to help our newborns" said Trish Lee, Manager of the Hospital Volunteer Service.

Cardigans will be gifted to families in Maternity Units at Wellington and Kenepuru Hospitals and will be used extensively in Wellington's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

This wonderful gift compliments the more than 7,000 baby garments and quilts made by the Foundation's Volunteers every year for use in the Hospitals. For many families in the Neonatal Unit, these donated items are the only ones they will receive that are small enough for their premature baby.

To support families in the Units and the Hospital Volunteer Service donate online here or phone us on 04 806 2332.

Below: Jackie Duxfield, Shop Manager of Lower Hutt Knit World and Anne Goldingham, Director of Knit World, receive their HOSPI HERO plaques and try to guess the number of cardigans in the incubator.

Community Funds New Machine for Genetic Testing

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:44:00 -0700

Wellington Hospitals and Health Foundation donated a new Microcentrifuge machine to Wellington Hospital's Genetic Services Laboratory today.

Andrew Beddow, Acting Team Leader for Genetic Services, said the new machine is a key part of the process when diagnosing why an infant or child has an intellectual disability or congenital abnormalities.

"Our current machine is shared between three different groups within the laboratory. This new machine will be solely dedicated to this process for genetic testing which in turn will speed up our process and ensure we can help more patients, faster."

The Microcentrifuge spins patient's fluids, such as blood, at a high speed to separate the cells from the liquid so they can be tested for genetic abnormalities.

The new machine will help meet the growing demand the service is experiencing. Two years ago the laboratory was the first in New Zealand to introduce a new high-resolution test, called a Microarrray, to diagnose genetic imbalances. It has since experienced a drastic increase in requests for this test, up from 10-15 tests per month to 60 tests per month in mid 2011.

"Being able to tell a parent why their child has an unexpected medical condition provides parents with great peace of mind. Once the genetic cause has been found, the parents can also be tested to see if there is a hereditary condition to be aware of with future children" said Mr Beddow.

Bill Day, Chair of Wellington Hospitals and Health Foundation said "It is great that the community have been able to provide this for the hospital. Special thanks to the Soroptimists International of Wellington and the Harcourts Foundation who helped us fund this piece of equipment, worth $7,400. It will make such a difference for parents throughout New Zealand."

Above: Shona Brunton of Wellington Hospitals and Health Foundation presents the new Micro-centrifuge to staff in Wellington Hospital's Genetic Services Laboratory. Below: Solutions after they have been spun in a centrifuge - note the more dense material at the bottom of the tube - that is the cells after they have separated from the fluid in the centrifuge.

"Kirsten" the Dialysis Machine is Donated to Wellington Hospital's ICU

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:13:00 -0700

Today the Fresh Future Appeal donated a Prismaflex Renal Dialysis Machine to the Intensive Care Unit. Thanks to the funds raised through the 2010 Appeal held nationwide in Countdown, Woolworths, Foodtown, SuperValue and FreshChoice supermarkets and Dicksmith stores.

Bill Day, Chair of Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation, said "We have the customers and staff of Progressive Enterprises to thank for this wonderful piece of medial equipment that will make such a different in people's lives"

Mary Bonner, Steven Cole, Dr Shawn Sturland shaking hands with Kirsten Wareham from Fresh Future Appeal and Bill Day

Kirsten Wareham who is a Store Manager in Wellington and a champion for the Fresh Future Appeal, said "I volunteered to be a champion five years ago when the Appeal was first set up. The whole team gets so much out of raising funds for the hospital, we run cake sales, sausage sizzles and do shared lunches. We also have a golf day and an auction each year."

Mary Bonner CEO added "Thank you to all the staff at Progressive Enterprises for the support they give us which has enabled the purchase of this extra piece of equipment. Please take our thanks back to all of them."

Dr Shawn Sturland Director of Wellington's Intensive Care Unit said "That not only would the machine allow us to care for a wider range of critically ill patients. But also to meet periods of increased demand for this treatment like was seen after the Christchurch earthquake."

The machine can run 24 hours a day and can also be used on patients that have other medical complications such as, to cool down patients that have a dangerously high body temperature. This new machine will replace an older model that was currently in use.

Dr Sturland mentioned that all large pieces of equipment are given a name in ICU. Much to Kirsten's (pictured below) surprise and delight in honour of all the efforts she has undertaken to fundraise for the hospital the new machine will be called "Kirsten".

This donation leads the way for celebrating Wellington Children's Hospital 100 year centenary in March 2012 said Bill Day.