Calming spaces for Young Patients

Thanks to the generous support of the Hector Trust, Waitākere Hospital’s paediatric pre- and post-operative areas have been transformed into colourful, calming spaces designed to ease anxiety for young patients and their families.

The Well Foundation is proud to announce the completion of a major upgrade to the paediatric pre- and post-operative spaces at Waitākere Hospital, made possible through the generous support of the Hector Trust.

The refreshed areas have been thoughtfully redesigned to create a calmer, more child-friendly environment for young patients undergoing surgery, as well as for their families and the dedicated staff who care for them.

Creating Positive Memories for Young Patients

For many children, a hospital visit — particularly for surgery — can be an anxious and sometimes frightening experience. Well Foundation CEO, Ruth Morse, reflects on her own early memories of surgery to highlight the importance of these improvements:

 “I was three years old when I had my first surgery, and I can still remember many aspects of that day — the needle they put in my hand, being wheeled along the corridor, and taken down in the lift to theatre. Those memories stay with you.”

It’s this understanding of how formative these experiences can be that inspired the project to transform the paediatric surgical spaces at Waitākere Hospital.

A Warm, Welcoming Environment

Thanks to the Hector Trust’s generosity, the newly refurbished spaces now feature:

·       Bright, friendly jungle animal graphics that bring colour and life to the walls

·       Distraction aids to help calm children before and after their procedures

·       Wall decals that provide comforting visual focus as children are taken to theatre

These thoughtful touches are already helping young patients feel more at ease while supporting parents, caregivers, and staff by creating a more positive, reassuring environment.

Supporting Over 3,000 Children Each Year

Each year, more than 3,000 children come through these surgical spaces at Waitākere Hospital. With these upgrades, their journey through surgery will now be gentler, calmer, and less intimidating.

The Power of Philanthropy

This project stands as a powerful reminder of what a difference philanthropy can make, not only for patients, but also for their families and the incredible healthcare teams who support them every step of the way.

The Well Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to Alan and Nel Gadsdon from the Hector Trust for their generosity and shared commitment to improving the hospital experience for everyone.