No parent expects to find themselves spending the night in hospital beside their sick child. But for hundreds of families across the North Shore every year, that's exactly where they end up.

What many people don't realise is that the Rangatira Children's Ward at Waitākere Hospital is the dedicated children's ward for the entire Waitematā region. Unless a child requires highly specialised care at Starship Hospital, this is where children from the North Shore, Rodney and West Auckland come for treatment.

When a child is frightened, unwell or in pain, having mum, dad or another loved one close by provides comfort that medicine alone cannot. A familiar face helps children feel safer, calmer and less anxious during what can be an overwhelming experience. The challenge is that while children have a bed, many parents are still trying to get through the night sitting upright in a chair, grabbing only moments of broken sleep before another nurse arrives, another alarm sounds or another comforting cuddle is needed.

Sarah, a local mum, shared her experience in Waitākere Hospital with us. "Being able to use the lie-flat chair bed when my little boy was in hospital recently made a huge difference. By the time you’re admitted to the ward when your child is sick, you’re already sleep deprived, so having somewhere comfortable to rest right next to your child’s bed is really important.”

That's why Well Foundation is raising funds for 18 new lie-flat overnight bed chairs. These specially designed chairs provide comfortable seating during the day and transform into a proper bed at night, allowing parents to rest beside their child without leaving the ward. Better rested parents are better able to support their children, children feel more secure, and the calmer environment benefits everyone, including the clinical teams caring for them.

Several generous local businesses have already funded chairs, but we still have more to go. If you'd like to help ensure no parent has to spend the night sleeping upright while caring for their child, we'd love your support.

To find out more or make a donation, visit wellfoundation.org.nz/beds. Together, we can help make hospital stays a little more comfortable for local families.

Well Foundation is the official charity of North Shore and Waitākere Hospitals
09 447 0138 
info@wellfoundation.org.nz 
wellfoundation.org.nz