Child & Youth Health

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Child & Youth Health

Matatiki Child and Youth Healthcare is here to make the journey through the Canterbury Health System as easy as possible, both for children and also their parents and carers. You will find all Canterbury Child and Youth Healthcare services listed under Hospital Services and Community Services, you can also find information for children and their parents under patients and carers.

Coming for Emergency Care

Remember: Dial 111 in an emergency.

Coming to your Appointment

Clinics and day treatment

Coming for Surgery

For people having an operation

Staying at Hospital

About being an inpatient

When your baby is in NICU

About using the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

A6 CHOC

Child Haematology and Oncology Centre

Contact us

03 364 0640
Email (non-urgent enquiries)
cdhb.health.nz/matatiki

Need to talk to someone about your appointment?

Phone: 03 364 0731

Ways to Give

Rights & Responsibilities

A7 - Paediatric Medical

B7 Paediatric Surgical

A6 - CHOC

Children’s High Care

Your visit may be for an overnight stay or longer. The more children, parents and carers know about the hospital and what to expect, the better you’ll feel.

Every child is an individual and how one child may cope and manage may be completely different than the next. It’s important to give your child factual information especially about what they might hear and see. Remember to do this in a way your child understands, in a positive and honest way but be mindful about not giving them too much information. Also, be aware of how much time there is between giving them information and when they need to come in. Sometimes too much time can create worry.

Reassure your child that you will be coming and staying with them. Show them the going to hospital video and other parts of the website like your room and activities.

Depending on the age of your child, give them plenty of opportunities for 'hospital play'. You can get them to do things like bandaging a teddy, listening to a family member's heartbeat, practising taking medicine.

Read books together about going to hospital

Your local library, school, kindergarten or childcare centre may be able to help. Here are a few suggestions:


Maisy goes to Hospital Author: Lucy Cousins	Maisy is well known to young children. She bounces on her bed too hard and hurts her leg. She goes to hospital for an x-ray and gets a cast.
Clifford Visits the Hospital Author: Norman Bridwell	This book for younger children helps parents prepare children who are apprehensive about an upcoming hospital experience.
A Visit to the Sesame Street Hospital Authors: Deborah Hautzig and Joseph Mathieu	Grover learns that he needs an operation. He goes on a hospital tour with his mother and familiar Sesame Street friends to explore the hospital environment.
When you’re sick or in Hospital Author: Tom McGrath	This book focuses on the emotional side of hospitalisation for children. It discussed all kinds of emotions a child may feel and encourages children to talk about their feelings.
What does Super Jonny do when Mum gets sick? Author: Simone Colwill	Simone is a New Zealand author who has written this book for children who often feel confused, angry and helpless when his mother is admitted to hospital. Jonny finds a way to navigate through this experience.
What about me? When brothers and sisters get sick. Author: Allan Peterkin	A girl has a younger brother who is hospitalised leaving her confused and upset that no one is paying attention to her just her sibling. How will she cope?

Be prepared for your child to ask the same questions several times. Each time you answer them, they will absorb a little more information, as well as gain reassurance from you.

TIP// We recommend you name any personal items you need to bring into hospital for your stay.

Video: When your child has to go to the hospital

Staying in hospital can be little bit scary. To help children feel less worried, we have made a video to show them what can happen.

If you are using an older browser and cannot see the video above, it can be viewed on vimeo.com instead.

What to bring (child and parent)

Due to limited storage space, please consider how much you bring. To maintain safety, the space in the room needs to be uncluttered.

NOTE // Please do not bring valuable items as there are no provisions to lock them up.

Comfortable day clothes and pyjamas (enough for your length of stay)
A favourite doll, blanket, teddy or other comfort item
A favourite activity, or maybe a new one especially for hospital
Toiletries including shampoo, sanitary items, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
You can also bring your own pillow and pillowcase (we provide blue pillowcases for your head)
Supportive well-fitting footwear
Glasses, hearing aids. Bring the cases so you can put them away safely
Sensitive or specialized laundry detergent. We provide generic laundry powder but if you need a specific brand or type of powder, please bring your own.
If you have equipment to support your child’s mobility such as a walking aid, please name and bring it with you
For infants, bring bottles and sippy cups the patient prefers to use. The hospital will supply all daily care needs, including diapers, food and bottles. Parents or guardians may want to bring clothing, pyjamas and security objects such as blankets or special toys
Older children and teens may bring books, magazines, videos and schoolwork
If you wish, bring cash to purchase hospital meals. Hospital meals can be ordered and provided for $5 cash if you are unable to leave your child. Please speak to the nursing staff for parent ordering form for meals. Payment is made to the Ward Clerk.
If your baby is on a formula, please bring this in with you. Please also bring any alternative nutrition your child may be fed, e.g. fed through a tube or supplemented drink.
Book/eBook reader/tablet/mobile phone, headphones, charger and you can use our free patient wifi service

TIP// Be sure all personal items are labelled with your child’s name. If a family forgets personal items after discharge, we are unable to store the items until the patient’s next visit because of very limited storage space.

TIP// Download our full list of what to bring to hospital! What to bring to hospital (200KB, PDF)

Medicines

Remember to pack any medications that your child is taking, including creams, puffers and autoinjectors (e.g. Epipen) and any alternative or natural therapies. Even if they are not used during the hospital stay, it is important that any regular medications are documented in your child's medical record. Bring your child’s medication list (yellow card) if you have one
Your supply of pharmacy medications will not be used while you stay in hospital, except as a temporary measure until we can obtain a supply. We will then safely store your own medications in a dedicated area on the ward.
Parents/Caregivers – if you are bringing your medication to hospital, please speak to the nurse.

If you have any questions, please talk to your nurse, doctor, or the ward pharmacist.

Items not to bring to hospital!

Please do not bring:

Rubber or latex balloons due to the risk of choking or suffocation; any balloons your child receives as gifts must be made of Mylar or foil.
Perfumes or body sprays

Christchurch Hospital address and map

Street address: Christchurch Hospital, Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch (Directions)
Postal address: Riccarton Avenue, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch 8140

Christchurch Hospital Campus Map

Mobility car parks at Christchurch Hospital are indicated on the map below. You can also view and download a PDF file version of the map of the Christchurch Hospital Mobility Parking Map (2MB, PDF)

Christchurch Hospital Campus with mobility parking spaces

Parking and transport around the hospital

Drop off zone

There is a designated DROP-OFF ZONE at Christchurch Hospital and the Waipapa Hospital entrance.
If you are a patient; you can be taken by car to be dropped off and picked at the hospital main entrance:
There is a car DROP-OFF ZONE for patients outside Christchurch Women’s Hospital main entrance and take the linkway access to Waipapa.
Volunteers are on hand at the car DROP-OFF ZONE during the day to help people to find their way to appointments.
There are way finding maps at all lifts, and staff at hospital main reception inside the hospital entrance can help you with directions to your destination.
Your driver can make use of the free shuttle bus service to come back to the hospital or arrange to come back to the DROP-OFF ZONE later to collect you at an agreed time.
Please remember there is no waiting allowed in the DROP-OFF ZONE, but you can park for 15 minutes in the front of Waipapa.

Park and Ride (P&R)

The Christchurch Hospital Park n Ride is located at 25 Deans Avenue, near the Moorhouse Ave end of Deans Ave.

Please take your ticket from the machine at the barrier arm as you enter the car park and park anywhere there is a space.
You can park for up to 24 hours.
Make your way to the covered waiting area in the middle of the car park with seating provided.
The Hospital Shuttle will pick up from and return here.
The shuttle runs between the car park to Christchurch Hospital main entrance, Waipapa and Christchurch Outpatients.

TIP// The shuttle runs every 15 mins. *There is a mandatory break for drivers from 2:30-3:15pm on the weekends, so no shuttle at that time.

Shuttle Service Hours

Monday to Friday: 7.15am and 8.30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11.00am and 8.00pm

Parents are responsible for bringing their children’s car seats. The shuttle can accommodate prams. The shuttle is not suitable for wheelchairs. There is mobility car parking on site and near Christchurch Hospital.
IF YOU HAVE FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS PLEASE DON’T USE THE SHUTTLE.

Cost of Parking

24 hours, 7 days

0-4 Hours: $5.00 *additional hour or part thereof $1.50
Monday – Friday: Entry after 6pm, valid until 9am the following morning $10.00
Saturday – Sunday: Entry after 6pm, valid until 6am the following morning $10.00

*Pay for your parking at one of the pay machines before you return to your car. Payment is available via cash (coins and notes), credit card and eftpos. A $0.60 transaction fee applies for card payments.

Christchurch Hospital Shuttle Bus Route from Deans Ave Car Park

Mobility parking

If you are a mobility parking permit holder you can park in one of the designated mobility spaces located outside the front of the hospital.

There are 3 designated Child Health Mobility Parks specifically for neuro development patients. The parks are protected by barrier arms and a Security Guard. To access these parks, please drive over the Rolleston bridge from Rolleston Avenue or Cambridge Terrace and present your Outpatient Clinic Letter to the Security Guard to access these.

All day parking

Wilson parking sites are near the hospital offering all-day parking. Further information is available from www.wilsonparking.co.nz/find-a-park

Taxis

There is a free phone for taxis at the main entrance of the hospital outside Emergency Department

Bus services

Various buses stop near and around the hospital. Bus timetables are available by the public pay phones at the main Parkside entrance. Contact Metro for enquiries: www.metroinfo.co.nz

Emergency Exits

In the event of a fire or another emergency, please follow the direction of the person in charge of the ward.
If you are asked to evacuate the area, you will be directed to follow the Emergency Exit sign (shown right).

Emergency Exit sign: A green square sign showing a person moving through a door.

Keeping Kids Safe in Hospital

Just as at home, school, the playground or mall, our hospital environment can expose children to hazards or situations which result in an accident and/or injury. Hospital furniture, medical equipment and supplies, hot drinks, wet floor conditions or the large amount of people traffic within our hospital environment are some of the common things associated with accidents/injuries.

In the same way that you keep your child safe at home, we make every effort to keep your child safe in hospital. We see this as a joint responsibility between you and our staff. Please watch our video below or on vimeo.

If you are using an older browser and cannot see the video above, it can be viewed on vimeo.com instead.

Access to the Wards

A photo of the intercom button used to speak to staff.

Parents and caregivers can access the Wards at all times.
We also encourage a parent/caregiver to stay overnight with their child.
A bed will be made available for you. Linen is provided.
Other visitors are welcome (with parent/caregiver approval) at normal hospital visiting times, from 11am to 1pm and 3pm to 8pm.
Visiting children require supervision at all times.

There is a monitored security door at the entrance to the ward. The door to the ward is locked overnight from 8pm to 6:00am. Access to the ward can be done by using the intercom on the right hand side of the door.

ID Name Bands

When your child is admitted to hospital, they are asked to wear an identification band with their name and other important details, usually around their wrist and ankle. Correct patient identity is fundamental to the health and safety of patients in hospital. These bands are worn during their stay, so they can be easily identified, and we can ensure they receive the right treatment and care.

Parents are requested to help and as such are required to:

Confirm the child’s identity whenever asked to do so
Ensure that no treatment is given without the child’s identity being confirmed first
Immediately report any identification problems to nursing staff

In normal circumstances, a patient’s name band should be removed only on his/her discharge from hospital to home. This is the responsibility of the nurse caring for the patient.

Personal items

Your belongings are kept on the ward at your own risk. Keep all valuables with you at all times.

Security

Christchurch hospital has an active 24-hour security service. If you have any concerns about security issues, notify the ward staff or security officers immediately. After-hours visitors must check in with security staff on the ground floor before being able to proceed to the ward. There are many active CCTV cameras throughout the hospital.

To contact Security, please call 03 364 0640.

Medical Emergency

Should you require immediate assistance with your child in their patient room please press the Nurse Call buttons.
If you feel that what is happening to your child is a medical emergency then press the Emergency button.

Bedside Handset

If you need assistance, a Nurse Call button is at the top of your bedside handset.

NOTE // If your child/teenager is going to have an operation, special procedure or treatment, they may not be able to eat or drink. Your nurse will inform you of this.

All food and drink for patients is provided by the hospital. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Choosing your Child's food

A menu is circulated each morning for you/your child to choose what they will be served for lunch, dinner and breakfast. Please leave your completed form on your bedside table or with your nurse.

Special food requirements

It is important that you let us know if your child/teenager has any:

food allergies or
any special dietary requirements such as special baby formula or alternative nutrition your child may be fed, e.g. fed through a tube or supplemented drink.

Meals for mothers of babies

Meals are also provided on the ward for a mother breastfeeding a patient less than 6 months of age.

Meal times (approximate)


Breakfast: 7:30am
Lunch: 12:30pm
Dinner: 5:30pm

TIP// Please remember that the Kitchen Aides and Cleaners are not involved in direct patient care.

Expressing room

There is an expressing room available for parents, please ask the nurse and they will get the equipment for you to access this room.

Food for parents/caregivers

Meals are NOT routinely provided to parents/caregivers.

In special circumstances, parents/caregivers may be eligible for a free meal voucher. Discuss this with the charge nurse or social worker to see if you qualify.

Alternatively, Hospital meals can be ordered and provided for $5 (cash only) if you are unable to leave your child. Payment is made to the Ward Clerk.

Meals for mothers breastfeeding a patient

Meals ARE provided for a mother breastfeeding a patient who is less than 6 months of age.

Hot drinks

Tea and coffee are available on the wards.

NOTE // All hot drinks must have a lid – this is to protect children from accidental spills.

Cafes

A number of café’s are available in and around the hospital.

Peaberry

Peaberry, Ground Floor, Waipapa, Christchurch Hospital

Peaberry is a modern café located on the ground floor within the Waipapa atrium, offering a range of fresh and flavourful food, along with a premium coffee and tea experience.

It is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 3pm.

Willow Lane

Willow Lane, Ground Floor, Waipapa, Christchurch Hospital

Willow Lane Cafe is located on the ground floor near the main lifts and sells a wide variety of products such as gifts and flowers, coffee and bakery products, grocery items and ready to eat meals.

Opening hours are 8am to 8pm 7 days.

The Great Escape Cafe

The Great Escape, Level 1, Christchurch Hospital

The Great Escape Cafe, Level 1, Christchurch Hospital

The Great Escape Cafe is located on Level 1 in the Parkside building of ChristChurch Hospital.

Hours: 8.00am–7.30pm, 7 days a week.

Almost all patient rooms have wonderful views and natural light.

View from patient room in Waipapa

About me board

The About Me board is a communication for you, your child and the staff who come into your room.

You should always be able to look at your board and see the name of your nurse for the shift and the name of the specialist doctor in charge of your child.

Anyone can add or change information on the board. The board helps all of us to remember important information and helps you from having to repeat yourself all the time.

You are welcome to write questions you might have for your doctors or other staff on the board.

Nurse Call

If you need assistance, use the (yellow) nurse call button, which is by your child’s bed.

There are also nurse call buttons in the patient’s toilets and showers.

Staff will show you how to use it, and explain the emergency process.

Bedside Handset

Isolation

Some children need to be cared for in isolation to prevent the spread of infection. Your nurse will tell you if your child’s condition means they need to be cared for in isolation. Please stay with your child in his/her room. Your nurse will advise you of procedures and facilities you are able to use.

TIP// You do not need to wear protective clothing but are advised to wash or apply alcohol-based hand gel to your hands as you enter and leave the room.

Parent Bed

In every room, there is a single parent bed. Staff will provide linens and pillow for the bed as well as make it for you. The bed pulls down off the wall, and likewise can be pushed up to put it away. In general, if you’re able to put your bed up before 8am, it would be most appreciated.

Toilet and shower

Toilets and showers are located within your child’s room. Please press the nurse call button to get assistance with laundry needs.
There is a red cord nurse call system in the ensuite that can be pulled in case of emergency.

TIP// Please speak to a cleaner if you run out of toilet paper, etc.

Fresh linens and towels

If you need fresh linens and towels, please use your nurse call button.

Storage

Please ensure to clean out the cupboards when leaving. There is minimal storage available, so please bring only what you need to hospital.

TV

We provide freeview tv. To turn on the tv, use the instructions on the bedside handset.

Family Escalation

See our family escalation section

Laundry

Wherever possible we prefer parents launder their clothes at home or in their external accommodation e.g. Ronald McDonald House. Where it is not possible, there is a laundry located within the Ronald McDonald parent lounge in B7.

These are shared laundry facilities that parent/caregivers can use for personal items as long as their child is not being cared for in isolation, if they are please talk to your nurse. Washing powder is also available. Please respect its use by other families by removing your washing/drying as soon as it is finished. If you require specialized laundry powder, please bring your own. The laundry facilities are accessible from 8am – 8pm.

Parent lounge

B7 parents lounge

Located at the entrance to B7 Children’s this is a parent only area. This is serviced by Ronald McDonald House volunteers.

Parent accommodation

Features within this area:

Emergency Parent Rooms – we have 3x specific parent rooms for emergency accommodation use.
TIP// Please contact your Nursing staff or talk to the volunteers if you require this service.
Laundry Room – Laundry powder is provided. Accessible from 8am to 8pm
Kitchen area - Parents/caregivers can make tea, coffee, and store food in the refrigerator. Please make sure to name and date food.

The Parent Lounge will be open from 8am to 8pm.

Parent Kitchen

There is a kitchen that caregivers can access in the Parent Lounge of B7.

Telephones, cell phones and patient enquiries

A telephone is available for parents. Please ask your nurse for assistance with this.

NOTE// Cell phones must not be used within one metre of medical equipment.

Patient enquiries to the ward need to be kept to a minimum due to our busy area. Please liaise with other family/whānau members to avoid disruption during the day. Patient confidentiality restricts us from giving out information over the telephone. You can phone 03 364 0640 and ask for patient enquiries. Basic information about your child’s condition will be given. Anything more will need to come from you or a family member.

Toilets/showers for parents/caregivers

Toilets and showers are located within your child’s room. You can access towels from the ward. Please ensure privacy and consideration for others. When finished with towels or linen, please place them into the appropriate coloured laundry bag at the end of the hall.

Matatiki Hub

This shared play area is for Children inpatients and their families/whanau. It is located on level 7 and has Radio lollipop located within this space. This is open from 8am to 8pm.

Internet access

Free public Wi-Fi internet access is available in Christchurch Hospital for members of the public. Follow the five steps below to connect any wireless device to our free Wi-Fi.

Go to settings
Click Wi-Fi
Click DHB Public WI-FI
Click ‘I Accept’ to accept the terms and conditions
Wait 10 seconds for the authentication process to finish
You should now be connected to the DHB Public WI-FI

Sites and content deemed inappropriate will be blocked when using the service. Similarly content accessed by people within Canterbury DHB facilities on their own network is subject to Canterbury DHB policy. It will not be possible to download material like movies due to file size.

In this section: Who is eligible for travel and accommodation assistance? | The Māori Health Service | Ronald McDonald House |

At Christchurch Hospital, we recognise the importance of having a parent or caregiver staying with their child whenever possible. Accommodation is available on the ward for one parent or caregiver.

In CAA (Ground Floor) and Highcare (Level 1), we provide a chair that reclines.

On the other wards, we provide a pull down bed for parents.

If your child has been referred to a specialist at Christchurch Hospital and you live outside of Christchurch, you may be entitled to funding from the Ministry of Health to assist with some of your travel and accommodation costs.

Fill out the eligibility tool - https://moh-nta.solnetsolutions.co.nz/

Who is eligible for travel and accommodation assistance?

The National Travel Assistance Scheme’ brochure is available in every ward and explains who may be eligible. Please ask reception or the Ward Clerk to assist you and for a copy of the brochure or read it on the Ministry of Health website.

For full details, check out the National Travel Assistance Scheme on the Ministry of Health website.

For more information, you can go to the travel eligibility section of the Ministry of Health website, contact the CDHB Travel office – 03 378 6912 (Monday to Friday, 9-5pm) or ask to speak to a social worker.

How do I claim my pre-approved travel assistance?

For information about claiming travel assistance see the Ministry of Health website.

To claim assistance, contact the CDHB Travel hospital travel co-ordinator by calling the hospital on 03 378 6912 (Monday – Friday 9-5pm) or emailing cdhb.travel@cdhb.health.nz

Accommodation may be available for out of town families at Ronald McDonald house, Te Whare Mahana or Ranui House. Please contact your social worker or the National Travel Assistance office - 0800 855 066

The Māori Health Service

The Māori Health Service also runs a low-cost whānau accommodation service for those eligible. See the Te Whare Mahana Whānau Family Accommodation page for more information.

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House Improves the health and wellbeing of children. RMHC creates, finds and supports programmes that help children live happier, healthier lives.

Phone: 03 377 3311
www.rmhc.org.nz

Shopping malls and supermarkets

City shopping with fashion stores, restaurants, beauty salons, homewares and a market – available at The Crossing, Cashel Mall (including Ballantynes), Riverside Market and the Terraces (800m, 10 min walk)
Westfield Riccarton (Pak’n’Save) – cnr Riccarton Rd and Rotherham St (2.4km, 30 min walk)
South City Mall – cnr Durham St and Moorhouse Ave (1.4km, 17 min walk)
New World supermarket – cnr Durham St and Moorhouse Ave (1.4km, 17 min walk)
Pak’n’Save and Countdown supermarkets – 347 Moorhouse Ave, just past Colombo St (1.9km, 24 min walk)

Cafes

Antigua Boatshed Café – good choice of cabinet food or menu items. A great location next to the river to watch the punting, located at 2 Cambridge Tce. Phone: 03 366 6768
ilex Café – located in the middle of Christchurch Botanic Gardens it offers a pleasant space for a social catch up, a special lunch or just a deliciously hot coffee for your stroll through the gardens. 03 941 5556
Robert Harris Café – well known for their premium coffee and delicious range of freshly baked snacks and meals. Located in the YMCA building as 12 Hereford Street (600m, 7 min walk)

Movie Theatre

EntX Hoyts cinema and dining, corner Colombo and Lichfield Streets (1km, 15 min walk)

Playground

Christchurch Botanic Gardens, follow the path opposite Lower Ground Riverside entrance (easy grade path 1km, 15 min walk)

Feeding Ducks

Go by the river directly opposite Lower Ground floor Riverside entrance

Christchurch Activities and Attractions

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch’s beautiful Botanic Gardens are open to the public. They have the closest playground to the hospital and are definitely worth a visit. They also have a golf course, tennis courts and outdoor bowling green.
Distance 1km, 15 min walk

Punting on the Avon River

Admire the botanic gardens or the changing face of the city centre while being expertly guided gently along the Avon River on an authentic Edwardian punting tour.
[insert pic – Punting on the Avon]
Where Depart from the Antigua Boatsheds, Cambridge Terrace
(300m, 4 min walk)
Hours 9.00am-6.00pm (October to March)
10.00am-4.00pm (April to September)
More info www.welcomeaboard.co.nz/punting/

Canterbury Museum

Housed in an exquisite historic building, Canterbury Museum is world renowned for its natural and human history collections. A frequently changing programme of exhibitions and events complements the museum’s permanent displays. Of particular interest are the outstanding Maori exhibits, the Victorian Christchurch Street and the Antarctic collection. There is also interactive fun for the children in the Discovery area. Browse the museum shop or relax in the café, with tree-top views of the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
[insert pic – Canterbury museum]
Where Rolleston Avenue, City 8013, Christchurch
(500m from Parkside Hospital entrance,
5 min walk)
Hours 9.00am-5.30pm (October to March)
9.00am–5.00pm (April to September)
Phone +64 3 366 5000
More info www.canterburymuseum.com
Information taken from Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism at www.christchurchnz.com

Christchurch Tram

Combine history and sightseeing while enjoying a journey through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre on board a beautifully restored heritage tram.
Where: closest stop to the hospital is by the Canterbury Museum
(500m, 5 min walk)
Hours 9.00am-6.00pm (September to March)
10.00am-5.00pm (April to August)
More information http://welcomeaboard.co.nz/christchurch-tram/

Tūranga Public Library

Main public library located in Cathedral Square. As well as the usual reading and study spaces there are also spaces for other activities, such as the Discovery Wall which lets you swipe through a virtual world on New Zealand’s largest digital touch-screen, children’s play zone, craft sessions, etc.
Where cnr Colombo Street and Gloucester Road, Christchurch
(1.4km, 14 min walk)

Hours 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday
For further information see the Christchurch City Council website

Christchurch Art Gallery

The spectacular Christchurch Art Gallery, just a few minutes’ walk from Cathedral Square, exhibits a range of local and international exhibitions. Browse through one of New Zealand’s largest art collections, including a superb selection of works by Canterbury artists. Enjoy one of the free guided tours or use the iPod audio tour. There is also an exciting programme of events and family/whānau activities. The building was used as Civil Defence headquarters for Christchurch following the earthquakes.
Where cnr Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, Christchurch
(850m, 10 min walk)
Hours 10.00am to 9.00pm
Phone +64 3 941 7300
Further info https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz

Margaret Mahy Playground

The Margaret Mahy Playground is on the banks of the Avon River in the Christchurch central city. It features a mix of playground equipment, interactive spaces, gardens, artwork, water features, recreational and picnic areas, visitor parking, and public facilities to be used and enjoyed by children and adults alike.
Where 177 Armagh Street, Christchurch (1.8km 22 min walk along the Avon River to Armagh Street, or a 10 min drive)

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

New Zealand wildlife, conservation and Maori culture joining in harmony for up close, hands on and personal experience for young and old. 100% Kiwi viewing guarantee.
Where Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Road, Harewood 8051, Christchurch
(11km, 20 min drive)
Hours daily 10.00am to 10.00pm
Phone +64 3 359 6226
More info www.willowbank.co.nz

International Antarctic Centre

The Antarctic Attraction is the modern day shop window for Antarctica. This is a fun, exciting and hands-on experience for all the family/whānau to enjoy. This includes the indoor Snow & Ice Experience, the Penguin Encounter which is New Zealand’s first combined indoor/outdoor penguin viewing area featuring Little Blue penguins and an exhilarating outdoor adventure ride in the Hagglund, a genuine Antarctic all-terrain vehicle. A free penguin shuttle to the Antarctic Centre leaves on the hour from outside the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue.
Where 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Harewood 8053, Christchurch
(11km, 20 min drive)
Phone 0508 736 4846
More info www.iceberg.co.nz

Air Force Museum

Come and marvel at our collection of classic aircraft, be inspired by the bravery of present and past servicemen, servicewomen and their families, fly a simulator, take a guided tour and step back in time in a replica 1940’s home. Your journey through the Air Force Museum of New Zealand will be something very special.
Where 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram 8042, Christchurch (7.5km, 14 min drive)
Hours daily 10.00am to 5.00pm
Phone +64 3 343 9532
More info www.airforcemuseum.co.nz

Ferrymead Heritage Park

Stroll Ferrymead Heritage Park’s village – a snapshot of Christchurch life in the 1900s – and explore specialty technology museums including rural history, printing, photography and film, radio and gramophones, post and telegraph and aeronautics. A steam train runs every summer Sunday and the first Sunday of March to November. Trams run every weekend, school holidays and public holidays. Admission includes unlimited train and tram rides. [insert link to https://www.ferrymead.org.nz/Admission/ ]

Where 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Heathcote 8022, Christchurch (10.4km, 20 min drive)
Hours 10.00am to 4.30pm every day except Christmas Day
Phone: +64 3 384 1970
More info www.ferrymead.org.nz

Other attractions in and around the city

Check out other attractions in and around the city by visiting the Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism

How to talk to kids about medical procedures

Kids look to you, their caregiver, for information about the world. The way that you communicate to kids about their procedure will shape their experience.

Your child is going to have a medical procedure. What’s the best way to prepare them?

Children often have little ability to understand why a procedure is needed. Your child may not have had many medical events in their life. They will look to you, their caregiver, to ‘get a feel’ for what this encounter will be like.

Do's and Don’ts

Do...

Be positive about the procedure, and about medical care in general
Explain that it is to help them (get better or stay healthy and strong)
Use only positive language: this means:
Keep your ‘non-verbal communication’, your facial expression and tone of voice, positive, calm and matter-of-fact
Allow the medical staff to chat to your child, don’t answer questions for them. Staff are asking your child questions to help develop a positive relationship with them
Use distractions - this is one time that being on a screen can be very useful! Perhaps allow them to watch a favourite movie or play a favourite game
Explain they can ignore the procedure if they want
Have a fun experience or a treat afterwards.
NOTE// Avoiding words like ‘hurt’, ‘pain’, ‘sick’, ‘sore’- these words can actually have the effect of suggesting that they will feel that way
NOTE// Avoiding words like won’t and don’t (they are often followed by negative words, e.g. ‘won’t hurt’ or don’t worry’)

Don’t...

Use medical procedures as a threat or punishment
Reward children for being ‘brave’
Use the word ‘brave’ - this communicates to children that what they’re being ‘brave’ about is scary or bad
Spend a long time talking to your child about the procedure, or discuss it often. Think about how you would prepare them for a trip to a new adventure park and try to keep your tone of voice and the amount of discussion about the same
Tell children that, ‘it’s going to be OK’ or say, ‘don’t worry’. Reassurances can actually have the opposite effect and give the message that there’s something to worry about.

Examples of how to prepare your child for a medical procedure

It’s important to keep the ideas and words appropriate for your child’s age.

“Will it hurt?”

It’s important to be honest, so your child knows they can trust what you tell them.

Everyone experiences medical procedures differently. It is important not to guess what it will feel like for your child.

Use positive language and to keep in mind that they may not feel very much, nor do they need to be bothered by anything they do feel.

A useful answer to the question “Will it hurt?” can be something like...

‘It feels different to everyone. Many kids are surprised at how quick and easy it is’

Answer any questions honestly, keeping in mind the Do's and Don’ts above. This will be enough preparation for many children.

Summary

Do’s

Do be honest
Do use positive language
Do model a calm, matter-of-fact approach
Do use distraction and other fun stuff.

Don’ts

Don’t reassure
Don’t use the word ‘brave’
Don’t use words like won’t and don’t.

Information provided by: Dr Anna Englin, MBBS.Hons, FANZCA, Dip Clin Hypn, Dr Paul Currant, MB ChB, BSc Hons, FRCA, FANZCA

Videos

If your child is having any of these tests and procedures done, please watch the relevant videos below.

What happens when you have a blood test

If you are using an older browser and cannot see the video above, it can be viewed on vimeo.com instead.

Getting a PICC line

If you are using an older browser and cannot see the video above, it can be viewed on vimeo.com instead.

Having an IV line

If you are using an older browser and cannot see the video above, it can be viewed on vimeo.com instead.

Having a Plastercast

If you are using an older browser and cannot see the video above, it can be viewed on vimeo.com instead.

Having X-rays and Scans

If you are using an older browser and cannot see the video above, it can be viewed on vimeo.com instead.

Kōrero mai, means ‘talk to me’ in Māori and is the name of our family escalation process (60KB, PDF).

Simply put, family escalation is a way of getting help when you are concerned about your child in hospital when they are:

getting worse,
not doing as well as expected or
not improving.

We believe that whānau/families, carers know their child best and can tell if their child’s condition is getting worse sometimes sooner than clinicians.

We ask that you ‘talk to me/us’ at any time you are concerned about your child and tell us anything that you think is different about them that tells you they are getting worse.

With your help our doctors and nurses can be prompted to respond as quickly as possible to a deteriorating child. Sometimes extra care is required to what your child is currently receiving. Sometimes this means moving your child to another area like Children's High Care or the Intensive Care Unit where they will be monitored more closely.

Are you concerned (60KB, PDF)

No one knows your child better than you (140KB, PDF)

Escalation - follow these steps:

Speak to your nurse or the nurse in charge right away. Tell them why you’re concerned and ask them to look at your child.
If you are still concerned and want a doctor to look at your child, ask your nurse to call for an urgent ‘doctor review’.
If the doctor has seen your child but you’re still very concerned your child is getting sicker, phone 0800 999 400 to speak to the operator for assistance from our ICU team 24 hours a day.

What to expect

In your room you will see a sign with steps for you to raise a concern about your child.

Are you concerned (60KB, PDF)

A nurse should have either told you about Kōrero mai and asked you to read the sign or directed you here to the website. They will also encourage you to raise concerns about your child with them at any time – including when you see them being busy.

You should have been given a leaflet with some tips of possible things to look out for and how to communicate this to staff.

During your child’s hospital stay, nurses and doctors may regularly ask you if you have any concerns about your child. We hope this makes you feel comfortable to raise any concerns you may have.

Raising Concerns

We ask that you first raise your concerns about your child becoming worse or not improving directly with your nurse or the nurse in charge. If you remain concerned after speaking with your nurse, you may ask for a doctor review.

The doctor who comes to see you and your child may also talk to the specialist doctor or surgeon who may also come and see your child. If you still feel concerned after this, you can ask for help from our Intensive Care Outreach Team.

Making the call

Call - 0800 999 400

Tell the operator:

Who you are and your child’s name
That this is a family escalation call.
The name of the ward Look at the sign in your room
The bed number your child is in.

Will I offend staff if I make a call?

No and this will not affect the care you and your child receive in the future.

We want patients, whānau and carers to be involved and help us create the best experience for you and the person you care for during your hospital stay.

While we have the tools and knowledge to identify children deteriorating, you still know your child best. We see you as part of our team and prompting us to respond means we are working together to make your child better as soon as possible.

If you do make a call, we have a process where our Quality Coordinator may request to meet or call you to see if our family escalation process could be improved. Please feel free to engage with them to help us improve our services for everyone.

You and Your Child’s Rights

Every person who uses health and disability services has rights, that includes tamariki /children and rangatahi/young people. The Canterbury DHB and our people who provide health and disability services have duties to you and your child. These rights and duties are clearly set out in the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (1996).

In summary, your rights under this code are:

Respect: The right to be treated with respect
Fair treatment: The right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation
Dignity and independence: The right to dignity and independence
Proper standards: The right to services of an appropriate standard
Communication: The right to effective communication
Information: The right to be fully informed
It’s your decision: The right to make an informed choice and give informed consent
Support: The right to support
Teaching and research: Rights in respect of teaching or research
Complaints: The right to complain

Our service also strives to uphold the rights of tamariki /children and rangatahi/young people:

Every child and young person has a right to:

Consideration of their best interests as the primary concern of all involved in his or her care.
Express their views, and to be heard and taken seriously.
The highest attainable standard of healthcare.
Respect for themselves as a whole person, as well as respect for their family/whanau and the family’s/whanau individual characteristics, beliefs, tikanga, culture and contexts.
Be nurtured by their parents and family/whānau, and to have family/whanau relationships supported by the service in which the child or young person is receiving healthcare.
Information, in a form that is understandable to them.
Participate in decision-making and, as appropriate to their capabilities, to make decisions about their care.
Be kept safe from all forms of harm.
Have their privacy respected.
Participate in education, play, creative activities and recreation, even if this is difficult due to their illness or disability.
Continuity of healthcare, including well-planned care that takes them beyond the paediatric context

If you want more details about the rights of children and young people in healthcare please read the Charter on the rights of children New Zealand

What to expect

Your health care team will discuss with you your child’s diagnosis, options available, the pros and cons of those options and what matters to you and your child
With our assistance and support you can make decisions about your child’s health and plan of care
Don’t hesitate to ask for more information or to question anything you don’t understand
We encourage you to bring a family member or friend you want to be involved in your child’s care

Pamphlets explaining your rights when using our services are available in all wards and departments.

For more information please refer to the Health and Disability Commission (HDC). HDC can be contacted on:

The Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service is a free service that operates independently from Canterbury DHB. It can help you know more about your rights when using health or disability services, get questions answered or make a complaint. It can be contacted on:

Your choice about being involved in teaching and research

There are health professionals training in our hospitals. You have the right to refuse permission for these students to be involved in your care or see your medical records. If you refuse, this does not affect the care you receive in any way.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi)

Canterbury DHB encompasses the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and treats Māori people and people of all cultures with respect.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles:

Partnership – We work together with you and your whānau to support you on your health journey
Protection – We respect and observe tikanga practices, values, beliefs and taonga (Te Reo Māori) while caring for you in a culturally appropriate way
Participation – We create opportunities for you and your whānau to actively participate in managing your own health and ensure you can access services that meet your needs

Displaying your name

If your child is are admitted we usually display their name and your name above their bed and outside their room. Staff will ask you about this when you arrive in the ward. Please tell us if this may cause problems and we will make other arrangements.

Private conversations

Please tell us if you would like us to take you to another room to discuss your child’s health in private.

Your Responsibilities

While we understand that being in hospital with your child can be a stressful experience we ask you work with us to help us provide the best care through:

Respect

Respect the rights, privacy, property and diversity of staff and other patients and their families
Being courteous - Not verbally or physically abuse staff, patients and visitors
Not recording or videoing any conversations or procedures with staff, unless staff give you their consent to do so.
Please be mindful in making any recording that you may be capturing the personal information of other people who have not consented to the recording and therefore you may be breaching their privacy in making and keeping any recording.
Recognising that the needs of other patients and families may sometimes be more urgent than your own.

Communication/Partnership

Tell us information to help the healthcare team to work with you to develop the best plan of care for your child through sharing:

Who is the legal guardian of your child.
Your child’s health history and that of the family.
Information about treatment or medication they are receiving
Any change in their condition or any problems they may have with their treatment [See Family Escalation].
If you do not understand or are uncertain about any part of your child’s diagnosis or treatment and ask for more information or clearer explanation (in writing if it helps).
Any special needs you/your child have, particularly any cultural, religious or any physical or learning disabilities.

Also please:

Follow treatment instructions or let health service staff know if they cannot or do not wish to do so.
Keep appointments or let health service staff know as soon as possible if they are unable to attend.
Clean your hands often and remind others to do the same.
If staying in hospital, take care of your personal things and send home anything that is not needed – Try to keep your hospital room tidy and uncluttered.
Do not use tobacco products, e-cigarettes, alcohol, unauthorised prescription medication, drugs within the hospital facilities or grounds.
Know that the service has a special role in training health care professionals. Each person’s treatment may provide an opportunity for such training.

In this section: Activity room | Matatiki Hub | Radio Lollipop | Televisions |

Activity room

The Activity Room is a licensed Education Centre that provides educational resources for inpatient paediatric patients from birth to 16 years. Parents and children can access educational resources to take back to their room.

The activity room is staffed by registered teachers/hospital play specialists. They are available on request and their role includes: provision of developmentally appropriate distractions for procedures and medical interventions, support for anxiety, fears and settling into the hospital environment.
There is a mixture of registered play specialists and interns available to support your child and family during your stay. The Hospital Play Specialist team can visit your child and you and provide support with coping strategies, normalising activities, health care play, and preparation for surgery. Play specialists are on the ward from 7.45-4.00pm Monday to Friday.

The activity room is open from 9.00am-12.00pm and 1.00pm-4.00pm Monday to Friday and is located between Wards A7 and B7. Please feel welcome to come and meet us.

Matatiki Hub

This shared play area is for Children who are inpatients and their families/whanau. It is located on level 7 and has radio lollipop located within this space. This is open from 8am to 8pm.

This is an exciting feature for child health inpatients, siblings and families to utilise. Please enjoy this space but be mindful of the guidelines so everyone can enjoy the area for years to come.

Opening hours 8am to 8pm daily.
Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult
Please use the equipment safely
Please do not remove any of the equipment or toys
No running or pushing
Please leave the spacey tidy when you are finished
No food or drink

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a Matatiki staff member.

Radio Lollipop

Radio lollipop broadcasts from 6pm - 8pm every evening.

If your child is well enough (please check with your nurse prior) you can be part of the broadcast or request a shout out and song.

The Radio lollipop team are a volunteer organisation. Their purpose is to provide age appropriate entertainment for inpatient children with parental permission i.e. board games etc and are not medically based.

Televisions

Televisions (freeview tv) are in all the rooms and are requested to be turned off at the following times:

7:30pm for children under 7 years old
8:30pm for children between 7-10 years old
9:30pm for children over 10 years old

You are welcome to bring your own device (and charger) and free wifi is available, this is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver.

Child in hospital On behalf of our patients and families, thank you for considering donating to Child and Youth Health Services.

Whether you choose to give your time, give items of need or give money we want you to know your donation makes a big difference to children and their families spending time in hospital and clinic environments.

We also wish to thank the following groups/companies for their continued support:

Buddle Findlay Child Health Foundation

Friends of Children in Hospital

Maia Health Foundation

Radio Lollipop

Christchurch Hospital Volunteers

Donate

You can provide much needed support to Child and Youth Health Services through donating money to one of the organisations below. We are so grateful for any financial assistance received by way of donations and bequests.

The Māia Health Foundation helps create a unique, healing, supportive and friendly hospital environment for children and their families while also helping purchase much needed and often lifesaving equipment - learn more or donate now

The Canterbury Neonatal Unit Trust Fund helps to provide support for parents of babies admitted to the neonatal unit and equipment needed for their care – learn more or donate now

Radio Lollipop believes in the healing power of play.

They provide smiles and laughter to children. learn more or donate now

Give an item of need

We gratefully accept new toys, arts, craft items and our Neonatal Unit has an ongoing need for clothing and bedding.

Toys and Art supplies

These will be given to children while in hospital or used in the Activity Room where children as inpatients can spend time playing and engaging with Hospital Play Specialists.

NOTE// For the safety of our patients, we are only able to accept donations that are new and recently purchased.

Please see our wish list below for suitable ideas we can gratefully receive.

Infants and toddlers	Musical mobiles Musical light up toys Board books/textured books Cot mirrors Rattles Textures blocks Plastic links Pop up toys (cause and effect) Shape sorters	Tactile toys Sorting/stacking/nesting toys Teething toys Balls Musical instruments Fisher price little people Sensory Toys such as squishys and fidget toys
Preschool Age	Colouring books Crayons Washable markers Fisher price toy medical kit Light up musical toys Bubbles Play dough Play dough toys Transportation toys-cars/trains/trucks	Memory games Candy land Snakes and ladders Guess who Jenga Toy dinosaurs, insects, animals Wooden puzzles with large knobs My little pony
School Age	Art and craft packs Headbands Operation Connect four Game of life Skip bo Monopoly deal Uno cards Lego sets	Matchbox cars Non-violent action figures Painting kits Beading kits Word search books Finger nail polish kits Playmobil 100-piece puzzles Little pet shop animals Polly pockets

TIP// Gift cards, Prezzy® or from retailers [The Warehouse, Westfield, etc] are also gratefully accepted to enable to items for children in the hospital and clinic environments.

NOTE// Unfortunately, we are not able to accept gently used or previously owned items. This includes toys, stuffed animals, books, magazines, electronics, clothing and furniture.

If you have gently used or previously owned items and want to donate these, please consider:

City Mission
www.citymission.org.nz/
03 365 0635 or 0800 787 855

Women’s Refuge
www.womensrefuge.org.nz/
03 379 6910 or 03 379 0575

Due to privacy and infection control policies, we cannot allow personal delivery of gifts and donations directly to patients.

Please email ChildHealthWebsite@cdhb.health.nz to let them know when you are dropping off your donation. The drop off can be scheduled for any time Monday through to Friday between the hours of 10am to 2pm.

If you prefer to mail us your donation of brand-new items, please send to the following address:

Christchurch Women’s Hospital
Child Health Admin
Att: Service Manager for Child Health
Private Bag 4710
Christchurch
8140

Clothing & Bedding

Our Neonatal Intensive Care has an ongoing need for clothing and bedding. New cotton singlets, gowns or baby grows are always gratefully accepted. Knitted items such as singlets, cardigans and blankets are also items in need.

We are happy to receive used single or double woollen blankets which are cut down to bassinet size.

We also enjoy donations of coloured cotton sheets to put in the incubators to improve the aesthetics of the environment which can be a little harsh with lighting and white linens.

NOTE// We do have specific requirements for these items to make them suitable for use with our fragile babies and to help with their ongoing care. See below:

Clothing item	Requirements
Knitted clothing	Sizes 14 inch (35cm) & 16 inch (40cm) Cardigans - loose cuffs, set in sleeves or generous raglan sleeves No cords ribbons around necks
Baby grows	Prefer domes or Zips must be double ended
Blankets/Quilts	Design: knitted wool closest to the baby is the first layer with crochet blankets on the outer layer or a quilt. pure wool is the gold standard for any baby we will accept acrylic mix as well because the NICU is a warm environment and babies are not going outside Quilts: cotton with thin batting, no puffy fillers Sizes 70 x 70 cm approx. and some larger @ 115 x 70 cm for twin cots.
Sheets	Cotton Sizes: approx. 100 X 60 cm

Please note that all items received are sent to be specially laundered to reduce the risk of infection to our vulnerable babies.

Give your time - Volunteer

There are various volunteer groups that are vital members of our hospital community, all with the aim of improving our patient and whānau experience. They are compassionate people, generously giving their time, skills and energy. Please note all volunteers are required to be police checked.

We often receive requests from schools and other groups wanting to give their time, either reading or doing other activities with children who are hospitalised. We regretfully are unable to facilitate this. We love your enthusiasm and wiliness to give your time and therefore suggest you see below for other opportunities to help. Also, please check out the [[fundraiser section]] – we are always so grateful for any financial help we receive which goes towards making a positive difference to children and whanau in our care.

Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

YAC logo The Canterbury District Health Board's Youth Advisory Council (YAC) are a group of young people from all walks of life who have all had experience with the health system and are on a continuous mission to make it better for everyone. They develop information for young people using the health system, provide comment on CDHB and government policy decisions and undertake projects

Aged from 12 to 24, YAC members are passionate about giving a voice to a group that is often not heard. Check out their facebook page to see if they are on the lookout for new members or email at cdhbyouth@gmail.com .

YAC Yarns is an ongoing focus of the group where they talk to professionals across the health sector about health topics related to young people. YAC Yarns are live through Facebook every Sunday night at 7pm.

YAC are always interested in hearing from young people and their whānau about their experiences in the health system and how we can better advocate for them, especially focusing on the youth to adult transition process.

Child Health Advisory Council (CHAC)

Formed in July 2010, the Child Health Advisory Council (CHAC) enables the CDHB to partner with parents and guardians to provide input on issues that impact the care of children across our health system.

The council comprises of 8 parents, 1 representative from Māori and 1 from Pacific communities, 3 hospital staff representatives, with a space held open for a representative from the West Coast.

The following are common goals CHAC would like to see develop across all health areas.

Valuing the parent / child / young person / family voice.
Communication that is warm and based on a partnership of care.
One point of contact for complex needs.
Care that is principle led, rather than a task / funding led.
More care taken in transition to adult services.
A greater cohesion between physical healthcare and mental healthcare.

CHAC advocates for the above goals through:

Codesigning healthcare experience surveys, in which the voices of parents and, when appropriate, children are involved in decision-making related to care
Reviewing written educational material to be shared with families including website development
Developing strategies to improve child/parent/caregiver satisfaction, and maintaining an attractive healthcare environment
Serving in an advisory role to help hospital leadership plan programmes and services valued by patients and families.

Current Members

Jacqui White (Chair)	Steve Truscott
Anne Morgan (Service Manager, Child Health)	Natalie Lamborn
Jackie Koortse	Jenny Mosley
Linda Hogg (Staff Representative)	Cindy Crampton-Cairns
Toriana Hunt	Kirsten Rosser

Feel free to contact us

For more information about the Child Health Advisory Council, how you can incorporate family input into your project, or if you have a suggestion for the Child Health Advisory Council, just send an email to CHAC@cdhb.health.nz

Hospital Friends – Paediatric Outpatients

A St John volunteer is a valuable member of our paediatric outpatient clinic team helping to help play with children while they are waiting for clinic or having a procedure done. Their work helps to support parents too!

Volunteers can choose hours from 0800-1200 or 1230 1630 Monday to Friday to assist in paediatric outpatients. If this sounds of interest to you contact: https://join.stjohn.org.nz/volunteer-jobs

Neonatal Volunteers

Neonatal volunteers are affiliated with Nurse Maude and dedicate their time in the neonatal unit to:

Making contacting and interacting with infants through holding, singing, reading etc [with parent consent]
Minding siblings
Restocking supplies as needed
Folding baby clothes and blankets and tidying linen areas
Checking all toys and play equipment for cleanliness and tidying parent lounges
Tidying the staff kitchen area
Making up colostrum packs, expressing kits, pamper packs etc
Collecting donor milk in the community for the milk bank
Filing, photocopying, laminating etc

Volunteer hours are variable and open to Volunteer availability. If you are interested in becoming part of the team please email Kathie Jones, NICU Discharge Facilitator Kathie.Jones@cdhb.health.nz

Christchurch Hospital volunteers

Christchurch Hospital volunteers help patients/whānau, visitors and staff in a variety of ways including:

Helping you find your way around the hospital
Providing gift and library book trolley services
Running the hospital gift shop
Giving company to patients
Assisting with play therapy and pet therapy
Delivering flowers or packages
Assisting with other tasks such as calling taxis and reading
Fundraising

You can check out their facebook page for more information

How to become a volunteer

There are many ways you can make a difference through a role that matches your skills, interests and availability. If you would like to enquiries about volunteering at Christchurch Hospital, please Email: christchurch.volunteers@cdhb.health.nz

Donating Breast Milk

Our Milk Bank accepts breast milk from mothers who have surplus to their own baby's requirements.

Want to learn more?

Fundraising

Want to get involved in Fundraising?

Please go to the Maia Health Foundation website to see how you can get involved.

We are committed to providing quality healthcare and positive patient experiences, and what you think about your care is important to us.

We want to know what we are doing well and where we can improve. Patients, family/whānau and visitors can send us suggestions, compliments or complaints using a feedback form (located beside blue Customer Response boxes found in some hospitals and community services) or using the Canterbury DHB website feedback form.

Bringing a child to hospital, whether it be for tests or major treatment, can be a stressful and disorienting experience. Chaplains are available to support you during this time. Spiritual support is likely to be of benefit whether or not you are religious or if you belong to a church, temple, synagogue, mosque, or other practice.

Chaplains can assist by:

Providing respectful and non-judgemental listening
Helping you consider and sort through feelings and options
Journeying with you during times of stress, loss and grief
Suggesting spiritual resources consistent with your beliefs and values
Facilitating the meeting of religious and\or spiritual needs of patients and families
Care of the "spirit" of the person, encouraging a holistic approach to care

Who are we?

The hospital chaplains have been theologically and clinically trained and licenced to work in a hospital. The chaplaincy team offers confidential compassionate support, prayer, and a listening ear in times of stress or loneliness; before and after surgery; for people experiencing loss and bereavement and around matters of faith and illness; and in celebrating the joys of life. They are available for prayer and church sacraments. The chaplains are available to people of all faiths and no faith, and are here to support people of all religions and cultures. They can also contact your own religious or spiritual advisor and ask them to visit (Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, etc.).

Arrange a visit from a chaplain

Your nurse, social worker, ward clerk or doctor can arrange for a chaplain to visit you, or you can ask to speak with a chaplain when you see them in the ward.

Chaplains are available office hours on site Monday – Friday and after hours for emergencies via the operator for the on-call chaplain.

Blessing, rituals and ceremonies

Hospital chaplains provide appropriate blessing rituals for patients, their families and staff. This includes blessing rooms after death, equipment, wards, and workplaces.

Chapels

The Chapel is located on the ground floor of Christchurch Hospital in Parkside. There is a quiet space in Waipapa located on the 1^st floor outside the ICU/High care area.

We welcome parents and caregivers at all times.
We also encourage a parent/caregiver to stay overnight. A daybed or chair will be made available for you. Linen is provided. Ask your nurse for help if needed.
Other visitors may visit between 8.00am and 8.00pm.
There is a monitored security door at the entrance to the ward. Access between 8.00pm and 6.00am is available by using the intercom beside the door.

A photo of the intercom button used to speak to staff.

Page last updated: 14 January 2021

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Child & Youth Health

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Read books together about going to hospital

Video: When your child has to go to the hospital

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Christchurch Hospital address and map

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