FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers. If you have suggestions for this page, please email heartchildren@heartchildren.org.nz.
General questions often asked by parents of heart children:
Q. Will my child always have trouble feeding?
A. No; it may seem like a never-ending nightmare at times - there have been many heart children who have been nasagastrically fed for a year or two and their parents have wondered if they will ever learn the chewing instinct, but they do. All it takes is time.
Questions often asked by parents taking a child to Starship Hospital for treatment or surgery:
Q. Do I need to take my child's medication with me?
A. Yes; take at least enough for 3 to 4 days.
Q. Do I need to take my child's formula?
A. Yes; take enough for 3 or 4 days. It should be provided at Starship, but sometimes there can be a delay.
Q. Should I take a car seat?
A. Yes; sometimes you are able to take it on board the plane, which is great if you have a toddler who thinks they would like to wander up and down the aisles of the plane. You will definitely need one for the taxi or shuttle from the airport to the hospital.
Q. What accommodation is available?
A. Family accommodation is provided by Ronald McDonald House - contact your home hospital social worker to arrange a booking, or alternatively contact the Starship booking office on (09) 307 4949 extn 23619. There is also He Kamaka Oranga Marae within the hospital grounds, or motels nearby. Accommodation on Ward 23B is limited and additional parent facilities within Starship Hospital are now available. If you have concerns, contact Ward 23B reception (09) 307 4949 extn. 23230 so you can get an update on what will be available for you.
Q. What do I have to pay for accommodation?
A. If you are the accompanying adult of a child aged 15 years or younger, assistance will be provided under the Travel and Accommodation Assistance Policy of your home hospital. It is recommended that you contact your home hospital social worker before going to Starship to confirm what is assistance is available and how to access this. Alternatively, you may like to speak with Ward 23B Social Worker, phone (09) 307 4949 extn 23627.
At Ronald McDonald House accommodation is free of charge. To help cover running costs, any donation would be very much appreciated and all donations over $5.00 are tax deductable.
If you stay at the marae, it is by koha. The cost of motels varies depending on locality and occupancy, the average is around $90 per night.