BOPDHB History Tauranga Hospital Centennial Book | Page 17

Debbie McDougall, Play Specialist,
Paediatrics
Significant changes have occurred in the approach taken to
children’s treatment at hospital, says Debbie.
”It’s a world away from the days when a child was dropped
off by their parents and left for the duration of their stay in a
strange environment and put into bed. It would have been
just terrifying for them,” she says.
“The biggest change is the involvement of families and the
realisation that families are the most important thing in a
child’s life. Now families are included through the whole
process. They are informed, are part of the decision making
process and encouraged to stay. We have facilities for
them; beds near their child, ensuites, a parent lounge and
meal making facilities. We spend a lot of time with parents
and children in the activity room,” says