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Little Levi Moves to New Kids Waikids Medical Ward

Published: Thu 12 Jun 2014 10:22 PM
Little Levi Moves to New Kids Waikids Medical Ward
From left: Mum Marika with patient Levi Clark and registered nurse Laarnie Tagalog in the newly refurbished Ward E5 Waikids Medical
Coming to Waikato Hospital was no adventure for Hamilton toddler Levi Clark but he did get to feel like a very special patient yesterday (11 June).
Levi, 2, was one of the first children to journey from Waikato Hospital’s Ward 53 and up a couple of floors to the freshly refurbished Ward E5 in the Elizabeth Rothwell Building.
The move brings Waikato child and youth services (Waikids) closer together in the one building.
Levi’s little adventure involved having his own special little wheelchair up to his room in the new ward.
The ward features bigger patient rooms with ensuites, tilt-away beds, remote control televisions, a kitchenette and bright animal pictures on the ward walls to give the ward a “kiwiana feel” just like the other Waikids wards.
Levi’s mum Marika who has been staying in the hospital with her son says the ward is much nicer and not so “90s”.
“It is so much better having a single room for privacy and so we don’t disturb others if Levi is upset during the night. He is able to relax and can concentrate better without others in the room.
“I really like the tilt-away bed that I can pull down at night to sleep on,” she said.
The ‘tilta-away bed’ was part of the extras for the ward fundraised by Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal. They have 19 tilta-away beds in the new ward.
Charge nurse manager Betsy Smith describes their new space as ‘just lovely’ and it is so much better to be able to offer families a child focused ward.
“It is cleaner and fresher. The colour scheme is much nicer. We have more single rooms, which is good for privacy and quiet, as well as for infection control.”
“Staff are very happy with the new space but it have been quite a mission to move as it is our busiest time and we are at full capacity.”
Betsy has been charge nurse manager for more than 12 years and feels a real sense of accomplishment.
“I didn’t realise how much work was involved in planning a new ward. Having project manager Lynnette Jones on board made the journey so much easier. She took over a lot of the organising.”
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Ends
Waikato District Health Board
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Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
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