The 2000sq m combined neonatal intensive care unit/paediatric ward is being built in the old staff cafeteria and hospital administration block site.
Based on a central reception and administration hub, the $7 million facility is the final project in Dunedin and Wakari Hospitals' $24.38 million master site plan that included 15 other projects.
Southern District Health Board children's health service manager Linda Moir said the design drew strongly on input from paediatric and neonatal staff.
''It's been very much a communal effort, and staff are now raising money to buy the extras that will make the children's time in hospital more enjoyable.''
Consultant paediatrician and children's health clinical leader Dr David Barker said the facility would make a stay in hospital less traumatic for patients and families with sick children.
''It will just allow the better delivery of care.''
Construction team leader Andy Syme said the paediatric section had flexible treatment areas, quiet rooms and group rooms, a communal lounge, and an outdoor area with a view of the street below.
''We're putting decking down and we'll have Mickey Mouse cartoon characters on the wall, so it will look quite good.
''Because we've got this really high balustrade, the little kids can look at the trucks and that sort of thing,'' Mr Syme said.
Ms Moir said fundraising for non-clinical items was starting.
''There are televisions, playstations and then there's other nice-to-have things that aren't part of a clinical role, but are still important.
''Even outfitting the parents' area - like putting in a washing machine and those sorts of things for the parents - that all adds up, but isn't part of the DHB's cost.''
- Steve Bolton
