$700,000 raised for Children’s Emergency Department

The Palmerston North Hospital Foundation has announced the successful completion of their first fundraising project, raising $700,000 for the construction of a dedicated Children’s Emergency Department at Palmerston North Hospital.

The build of the Children’s ED, which will exist within the footprint of the existing emergency department, will be completely covered by the funds raised by the Foundation.

Chair of the Palmerston North Hospital Foundation, Brendan Duffy, says that this is a significant achievement for the Foundation, and the wider community.

“The saying is that it takes a village to raise a child - and this project embodied that. In less than two years we have raised close to three-quarters of a million dollars thanks to almost 200 generous individuals, families, businesses and trusts.”

The Children’s ED will be a dedicated area for children and their whānau, providing an additional five beds, including a procedure room, and a separate waiting area. It will include a kitchenette, baby-changing facilities, toys, child-friendly decor and a range of furniture and distraction tools to cater for a range of developmental stages, disabilities, illnesses and injuries. The Hospital is expecting construction to be completed in September.

“We would like to acknowledge the amazing support from Sir Patrick Higgins and his family, who have been significant benefactors from the very start. It’s also been truly special to see the grassroots support that this project has inspired in the community; from mufti days to workshops to selling sunflowers. It shows how much our community cares about and values healthcare. We’ve been blown away by it all.”

While fundraising for the Children’s ED is now complete, Brendan says that the Foundation is already well on the way to launching its next fundraising drive.

“This is just the beginning for us. We are working with the Hospital to identify a number of projects that we may be able to support, and will be keeping our community updated. We’ve really proven that people care about our hospital, and recognise the role it has in caring for our whole region.”