Help Starship Answer The Calls Of Children Across Aotearoa

Starship is our national children’s hospital, ‘On call for children across Aotearoa’ 

This winter, the Starship Foundation is asking New Zealanders to support Starship as they answer the calls of children across Aotearoa.

Starship services and clinicians reach every corner of the country, working in partnership with local teams around New Zealand. This country-wide care means children and young people get the urgent care they need in hospital, and the ongoing support they need to thrive at home.

Children like 11-year-old Shaun from Havelock North.

Shaun’s had an immensely challenging start to life. He was born with Short Bowel Syndrome – a rare condition affecting around one in every 250,000 children. In total, he’s spent around three years as an in-patient across Hawkes Bay, Wellington, and Starship Hospitals.

Now, thanks to ongoing care from Starship and his local medical team, Shaun spends most of his time at home. He sees his Starship specialist at an Outreach Clinic at Hawkes Bay Hospital every six months or so, and his local care team accesses specialist feedback and support from Starship when they need it.

Shaun’s Mum Anna says Starship’s ongoing support has been life-changing for Shaun and his whānau; “He’s a normal boy. He runs around and play-fights with his friends. He loves salt and vinegar chips. It’s fantastic – especially considering the roller coaster journey we’ve been on.”

There are thousands of children like Shaun around Aotearoa who sometimes need urgent medical care at Starship, or ongoing support. Starship is ‘on-call’ to respond whenever a child is in need.

Emma Maddren, Interim Director Starship Medical and Community says, “Across the length and breadth of the country, we work in partnership with local care providers so our tamariki and rangatahi get the care they need. We aim to provide that care as close to home as possible. That includes specialist visits at local hospitals, over-the-phone support, emergency retrieval flights, and online children’s medical care guidelines for professionals across the country.”

“Here at Starship, winter often means higher than usual admissions. Our doctors, nurses and support staff are doing an incredible job caring for our children, whānau and communities in challenging circumstances.”

The Starship Foundation has stood alongside Starship for more than 30 years, helping bring our children better health and brighter futures. Chief Executive Aisha Daji Punga says that New Zealanders who support Starship are making a real difference.

“Here at the Starship Foundation we see exciting times ahead at Starship with aspirations to lead equity, innovation and excellence in child health in the new landscape of healthcare. In fact, I believe there’s never been a more important time to donate to Starship.”

“Donations to our campaign will support Starship to seek out new and innovative care delivery, to roll out health equity initiatives and to support our Starship workforce as they navigate the challenges of winter.”

“Through the challenges of winter 2022, Starship is ‘on call’ for the children of Aotearoa. Right now, we’re calling for your support.”

For families like Shaun’s, having Starship on call is immensely comforting. Shaun’s message is this; “Thank you Starship for making me happy. Thank you for everything.”

Donate to help Starship answer the calls of children across Aotearoa at www.starshiponcall.org.nz.

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