Kidz First has recently undertaken a significant improvement by converting nine isolation rooms into specialized positive and negative pressure rooms. Thanks to the generous support from the Giltrap Trust and Jocelyn Moore Foundation, these rooms are now equipped with state-of-the-art clinical and communication devices, enhancing the quality of care provided to our littlest patients.
Among these rooms, there are eight negative pressure rooms specifically designed to accommodate children with infectious diseases such as measles and covid-19. These rooms ensure a controlled environment that minimizes the risk of spreading infections, safeguarding both the young patients and the medical staff attending to them.
In addition, a positive pressure room has been constructed for burn patients to promote wound healing and recovery. The Middlemore Foundation installed a unique window that offers adjustable visibility, catering to the individual needs of the patients. This feature allowed a 2-year-old occupant, who had been isolated for an extended period, to participate in a recent visit by the NZ Warriors, which was a highlight for him and his family.
As Middlemore Hospital is home to New Zealand's National Burn Centre, having dedicated healing spaces like these contributes to providing essential care to young burn patients and improving their overall well-being. In New Zealand, approximately 475 children under the age of 15 are admitted to hospitals each year due to burns or scalds, with 80% of these cases involving children five years old or younger.