The 2000m² ward on Level 5 of Starship Hospital is a 45-bed general paediatric ward which cares for children from infancy through to adolescence.

The ward consists of three main clinical zones: A 30-bed capacity core zone, open year round, with a separate area for adolescents including the Eating Disorders Service, a 13-bed flex zone which opens over winter to meet seasonal demand and an adjacent clinic space with the ability to supplement 2 additional beds during peak periods if required.

The ward was designed around the Starship philosophy of ‘family-centred care’ which aims to provide a homely environment not only for the patients but also encourages family overnight/extended stay. This ensures patients’ happiness and safety, which are important components to their healing process, a central meet and greet point of entry with approachable staff station hubs at each end of the ward. Staff hubs have been designed with improved lines of sight with direct visibility to all children from the ward corridors.

The new design facilitates this by providing two new parent lounges with dedicated parent bathroom facilities, a well-equipped play room, and independent adolescent dining and lounge. Patient bedrooms feature bespoke bedside joinery units in, which include a fold-down parent bed and storage for personal belongings and allow for improved manoeuvrability and space for staff and families.