Appeal major game changer for ill kids

Phil Guilford of Countdown Tauranga (right) presents $95,884 from the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal to Bay of Plenty District Health Board chief executive Phil Cammish. Photo / George Novak

An annual appeal raising funds for hospitals in the Bay of Plenty is providing care "you could only ever dream about", District Health Board midwife leader Margret Norris says.

A cheque for $95,884 was yesterday presented to the health board from the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal to go towards obtaining equipment for the Tauranga and Whakatane hospitals.

Mrs Norris said the money would be used in the Children's Ward, the Special Care Baby Unit and for children and babies in the community.

The extra funding bought equipment not usually accessible to the hospitals.

"You can deliver care you could only ever dream about ... It's an investment in children's health."

The appeal, in its eighth year, raised $1.31 million nationwide.

Funds raised from previous appeals have purchased essential medical tools such as cardiac monitors and ECG machines; as well as other fun tools vital to restoring young children back to good health, such as puzzles, activity tables and toys.

"It's made a more child-friendly environment for families," Mrs Norris said.

District health board chief executive Phil Cammish said the extra funding was a great boost.