Children’s play area set up in ED

A new children’s space has opened in the emergency department at Wellington Hospital.

As the emergency department grew busier, the hospital had recognised the need for a separate area for children to play away from the busy waiting room.

While the emergency department had always had a children’s play area, it was previously not separated from the main waiting area.

‘‘The main waiting area can become extremely busy and crowded, and was shared by adults and children,’’ Storey said.

‘‘The new children’s waiting area provides a more comfortable space where children can play or watch DVDs, free from the sights and sounds they shouldn’t be exposed to.’’

The new children’s area was opened on April 18 and funded with donations from Wellington Hospitals Foundation support.

It cost about $114,000 to fit out the section in the existing emergency department.