Ward 23B is the children's inpatient ward at Starship. Adult inpatient services are located within the adult cardiology department at Auckland City Hospital.
 
Coming to Ward 23B

The Heart Ward:
The Heart Ward (23B) has 22 beds, with four of these making up the high dependency room for children needing more intensive monitoring on the ward. We have wonderful views of the city from our windows. Not all of the rooms are single, so you may need to share with other children. You are welcome to visit the ward or playroom before admission; phone us for more information or to book a visit.
 
When you arrive, you will meet our ward clerk at the front reception area. Sometimes you may have to wait until your room is available as we can be very busy, but we can show you where the playroom and kitchen are. We will also show you how to find things on the ward, and the way to your room. There are a lot of things to do on the day before an operation or procedure, so it is important that you stay on the ward until everything is finished.
 
The Playroom:
We have a playroom on the ward for you to play in. The play specialists will also bring you some things to do in your room, and are good at explaining what happens in hospital. Most of the things here are designed for smaller children, however if you are older we can contact the adolescent play specialists to come and visit. 
 
School:
If you are going to be in hospital for a long time, you will be enrolled in the hospital school programme. The teacher will either take you to the school room or bring you work to do on the ward if you are too sick to go. For more information for parents, see What about my child's school work?  on the Kidshealth website. 
 
Parents' / Caregivers' Facilities:
We have a small kitchen area for parents / caregivers on the ward. There are hot drinks provided, and breakfast for parents staying in the hospital. We provide meals for breastfeeding mothers of babies less than six months of age, but otherwise you will need to supply your own. You can keep some food in the fridge, but please make sure it is clearly labelled! Across the corridor there is a TV lounge for parents / caregivers as well. If you have a lot of family visiting, please talk to us about finding you a space to meet, as sometimes it can get too crowded in your room. 
 
Telephone:
There is a telephone in the parents' kitchen for family to use. Family can call you on this number: (64 9) 630 4949 ext 23235. You can make local calls from this phone, or use a phone card to make toll calls.