Children’s ward unveiled

Christchurch: New child health services and facilities were unveiled in Christchurch yesterday.

The Maia Health Foundation — the charity arm of the hospital — has raised $2.3 million to enhance the child health facilities at the new Christchurch Hospital Hagley, which is opening next month.

More than 10,000 children come into Christchurch Hospital each year as inpatients.

Paediatrician Tom Townsend said he and his staff had faced many challenges and delays to get here.

‘‘The time it took has, at times, been frustrating. There were parts of the design that we really felt were important that we really had to push for and kids and their families will now feel less stressed when coming into the hospital.’’ — RNZ