Ms Hughes has nothing but praise for the staff and facilities on the ward, but on Monday welcomed an announcement that the NSW Government will inject $250,000 into improving amenities for parents of sick children.

The funds will be used for a small redesign of the ward, to expand the current parents’ tearoom into an under utilised outside courtyard and to ensure that each room on the ward has two beds – one for the child, and one for their parent.

“Dakoda has had a bad urine infection and we’ve been here since Saturday,” Ms Hughes said. “She’s wanted me close so I’ve slept in her bed, but a separate bed and other improvements for parents here with their kids would be great.”

Parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said the region had received the lion’s share of the state funds for paediatric improvements.

“No-one wants to bring their little one to hospital but when they do, we want to make sure the staff have the best possible facilities in which to operate and we want to have bright and happy places,” he said.

“It’s part of a $2 million investment across the state and we have in the Illawarra been really successful as we’ve secured around a quarter of the state’s funding.

“That $250,0000 will go towards the upgrade of the children’s ward, which will help reconfigure the ward as part of a stage one upgrade to provide better spaces for parents.

“So when they’re here it’s easier to spend time with their children, it’s a more relaxing and comfortable environment so they can provide the support their child needs.

“We know that having parents involved in the recovery is critical to any of the procedures that are undertaken.”

Dr Susie Piper, co-director for paediatrics for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, said while there were a couple of separate bedrooms for parents – and fold-out lounges – additional beds were necessary.

“Our goal is for parents to be able to sleep beside their child – if you’ve got a sick kid in hospital you want to be with them,” she said.

“One of the things we’re also really lacking at the moment is a decent place for parents to have a meal or cup of tea or even a shower, and these are the facilities we’re planning to improve with this government funding.”

Nurse unit manager Julie Haines said staff, patient and parent feedback had been sought for the plans.

“Parents know their children better than anyone and we need them to help us provide the best care we can, so we need to provide better services and facilities for them,” she said.

Ms Piper said the upgrade was part of a five-year, $5 million planned redevelopment of the kids’ ward.

She paid thanks to the Illawarra Community Foundation which has already pitched in $250,000 from proceeds of the i98FM Illawarra Convoy to provide a new schoolroom, and has committed to further support.

More outpatient rooms, a better play area for kids, and improved staffing stations are also on the plans in the next few years.