Splash of cheeky colour
for new children ’ s ward
The completion of the purpose-built paediatric ward at Blacktown Hospital is the latest part of the $ 700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals expansion project .
Opened by Health Minister Brad Hazzard , the colourful new 12-bed ward includes two negative pressure rooms to manage patients in isolation with respiratory illnesses including COVID-19 .
Mr Hazzard said the ward , which has been 10 years in the making , is equipped to manage an extensive range of paediatric conditions for babies through to 16-yearolds , from gastroenteritis , asthma , bronchiolitis , cellulitis and croup to surgical fractures and general paediatric surgery .
“[ It ] has been designed with input from staff and patients ’ families , creating a warm and welcoming environment with indoor and outdoor play areas and plenty of toys and activities to help children through their treatment and recovery ,” he said .
The ward features :
- Inpatient services including emergency , medical and surgical bed access ;
- Day stay procedural services , for example , transfusions and drug therapies ;
- Ambulatory and community outreach services ;
- Specialist clinics including skin prick testing , food challenge and allergy clinics ;
- Commissioned art throughout the ward to help make children feel welcome ;
- Leisure and play spaces , including an outdoor play area , with appropriate toys , books and activities for children and adolescents ; - A breakout space for parents .
Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly said the bright and colourful artwork will help put children at ease during what can be a stressful time .
“ It features familiar landmarks from the local area that will help them feel at home ,” Mr Conolly said .
“ The ward will work in unison with existing paediatric services at Mount Druitt Hospital to enhance and expand paediatric care across the Blacktown local government area and Western Sydney .”
Six-year-old Stevie Mahe in Blacktown Hospital ’ s new paediatric ward .
At the official opening and walk through , Minister for Health Brad Hazzard and Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly .
Artwork by Australian illustrator Jane Reiseger , whose work is also featured at the Royal Children ’ s Hospital Melbourne , wraps around the walls and over the doors , creating a welcoming place to help reduce anxiety and promote wellbeing and recovery .
The features scenes are of Blacktown ’ s playgrounds , Eastern Creek Racetrack and Raging Waters theme park .
The ward features comfy bedside lounges for parents and carers as they sit by their child ’ s side , TVs , and a playroom stocked with books , games and activities .
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BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 14 // MAY 2022 5