The Children's Unit is for all children aged 0-14 needing overnight care in Rotorua Hospital. Admission is either via the Emergency Department for acute illnesses or by appointment for a scheduled procedure. Location: Access to the unit is via the Ground Floor, Bridgman Building. This is a secure unit – on arrival please ring the doorbell and a staff member will let you in as soon as possible. On Admission: On arrival to the unit, a nurse will visit you to assess your child. You may need to wait to see a doctor so please tell the nurse if you need to leave. Please bring for your child: Favourite toy Comb / hairbrush Toothbrush and toothpaste PJ’s or nightgown if you wish your child to wear their own Anything else which would make your child’s stay more comfortable e.g. own pillow, duvet, etc. Staff In The Children's Unit: A nurse is allocated to the care of your child each day. She or he will make themselves known to you at the beginning of the shift. Each child has a nursing assessment and care plan which will be developed in partnership with you and updated each shift. If there is anything you wish to know about your child’s care, your nurse will be able to help you. The Doctors: Your child will be reviewed daily by one of our consultant paediatricians or a member of their team. Rooming In: We have facilities for one parent or caregiver to room in with their child. We will provide a fold-out bed with linen. This is folded up during the day to provide more room around your child’s bed. You and your child will receive all meals while in hospital. Shower facilities are available for parents to use when rooming in, please ask the staff for access keys and towels, etc. Whānau Room: There is a room for parents / caregivers to use which has tea / coffee making facilities (tea, coffee and Milo provided) and the use of a fridge, toaster, microwave and television. Please be mindful not to carry hot drinks around the unit. Visiting: Visitors are welcome up until 8.00pm. Please note that no visitors under 14 years of age should be left without adult supervision while visiting with your child. Early Learning Centre Therapy The Children’s Unit has a comprehensive Play Department with play specialists to cater for your child’s needs. This operates Monday to Friday, 9.00am till 4.00pm. Play activities are also available at your child’s bedside. Our staff will do their best to keep your child's time on the ward as relaxed and comfortable as they can. Discharge / Leaving Hospital: Please do not leave the unit with your child unless you have seen your nurse. On discharge, your nurse will ensure that the relevant paperwork has been completed by the doctor. This can include a discharge letter, prescription, outpatient appointment and information you will need for the ongoing care of your child at home. We hope you and your child have a pleasant stay in the Children’s Unit.

The Paediatric Department Outpatients Service offers appointments during scheduled clinics, by referral only, Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm. Referrals Referrals are usually via your GP or Well Child Provider or we accept written referrals from other health and educational professionals and social agencies working with children living within the Lakes DHB service area. Once a referral is received, it is prioritised based on the referral information. Both you and your GP will be informed of the estimated clinic date if an appointment is necessary, or with advice if your child does not need to be seen in clinic. Appointments are then arranged between three weeks and six months depending on the urgency of the problem. Where appropriate, referrals may be redirected to other departments. Surgical problems are seen at Rotorua or Taupō Hospital by visiting paediatric surgeons from Waikato Hospital. Please inform your GP if your child’s condition changes as he or she might have to contact the Paediatric Department with more up to date information that might change the prioritisation given to your child’s appointment. If you can’t keep your appointment, please phone and tell us as soon as possible so we can offer the appointment to someone else.

The Outreach Nurse Specialists provide care and support for unwell children and families/whānau in the community, enabling children to stay at home instead of in hospital. The service consists of a team of experienced children's nurses who are available 5 days a week, 8.30am - 4.30pm. Rotorua – (07) 348 1199 Ext 8952 or 8917 Taupō – (07) 348 1199 Ext 5806 How the Outreach Service Works An Outreach Nurse will visit you and your child following a referral from a Paediatrician Parents/Whānau are the best people to care, help or teach their child and the nurses will be there to support them to do this The nurses may offer new innovative ideas that may be helpful to the child and family / whānau The nurses work with families and welcome and encourage your observations and questions The Role of the Children's Outreach Nurse Talk about the child’s healthcare needs regarding your child’s care once you leave hospital Discuss discharge from hospital with you Provide a supportive and caring service once the child is discharged from hospital Visit the child and family/whānau at home Provide advice and support with issues and problems that may arise with the child’s health Help plan a care programme that suits the family and child Ensure parents are aware of allowances and support services that may be available to them Provide a link to other healthcare or community services

The Child Development Team (CDT) provides an assessment and therapy service for children aged 0 - 14 who have a physical, sensory or intellectual disability and those with, or at risk of, developmental delay. Provide a community and / or centre based service to support families and caregivers to enable their child to reach his / her potential. Offer assessments which may include developmental, motor skill, sensory, speech language or psychological. We assess and recommend equipment and property modifications to optimise developmental potential and assist with daily management. Therapy may be offered to individuals / groups along with home or centre based programmes as appropriate. Provide information, education and support relating to the child's condition and needs. Advocate for the child and his/her family. Refer to other health services as appropriate e.g. Orthotics, Social Work, Audiology Service, Infant, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service and other ‘Well Child’ providers. Liaise closely with other government and community agencies working with children in education and welfare areas e.g. Ministry of Education, Oranga Tamariki. Referrals Referrals should be submitted on the referral form. Please consult the Child Development Team Guidelines for Referrals Child Development Team Referral Form Child Development Team Guidelines For Referrals Pamphlet Our Team We are a multidisciplinary team consisting of: Team Leader, Referral Coordinator, Visiting Neurodevelopmental Therapists (Occupational Therapists or Physiotherapists specialising in child development and special needs), Speech Language Therapist for children up to 3 years of age, Psychologist, Paediatricians, Therapy Assistant and Administration Support.