The Illawarra’s youngest patients now have access to a new-look and expanded Children’s Ward at Wollongong Hospital, thanks to a $4.3million partnership with i98FM Illawarra Convoy and the Illawarra Community Foundation.

The four-stage redevelopment was officially opened today, with patients, families and staff paying tribute to the iconic local community event, which has enabled the transformation of the Children’s Ward.          

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said this is the culmination of five years of extraordinary support to make the Children’s Ward a less daunting place for local families.     

“As a government we provide the services that meet the clinical needs of our community, but donations like this make it possible for the hospital to enhance the experience of being in hospital. Creating better access and convenience for parents, a brighter space for kids and greater comfort can make all the different when a child is sick,” he said. 

“We all know the Illawarra is a truly amazing community, and this is a terrific example of the generosity and commitment of those who contribute to the Convoy fundraiser each year. 

Started in 2018, the Children’s Ward upgrade project has included the refurbishment of all patient rooms, the relocation of the Hospital School, a new Family Room and Ward Playroom, new procedure room and clinical skills area, a new Medical Day Unit and the creation of two close observation rooms.  In addition, the ward now houses a new Paediatric Assessment area and outpatient rooms, which will enable the hospital to double its capacity to deliver multi-disciplinary clinics.  

“Often a child with complex needs may have to see more than one specialist, these upgrades mean the hospital can now provide a one-stop-shop for parents.  It also means that youngsters living with cancer or other serious conditions won’t need to travel to Sydney as often for things like chemotherapy,” said Mr Park.  

“I join the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District in saying a huge thank you to the community for their incredibly generous support, which will have ongoing benefits for thousands of families for many years to come.”  

The Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said that Convoy has become a highlight each year for kids young and old across the Illawarra.

“When children have to spend a lot of time in hospital they, their parents and siblings need to be in surroundings to make them feel more comfortable as they get the care they need,” said Mr Scully. 

“Everyone who has chipped into its fundraising efforts over the years will be thrilled to know that their support will mean kids in the region have more comfortable hospital stays in the future – a great outcome for the Gong, from the Gong.”