Counting down to a better children's ward

Dunedin Hospital children's ward patient Ben Fox (3), with mother Jo Fox, of Cromwell, and registered nurse Marilyn Hanson (right), show off an electric bed bought last year with money raised by Countdown staff, who were at the hospital yesterday to launch this year's Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.

Staff from Dunedin and Oamaru Countdown stores attended the launch and toured the children's ward to see the fruits of their past labours. Electric beds, which give children more independence and comfort, were bought with part of the $80,000 raised last year.

Paediatrician Dr David Barker told the Countdown crew the money they raised this year would be put towards equipment for the refurbished children's and neonatal wards.