New Day Stay Unit Opens at Starship Hospital to Expand Child Health Services

Health Minister Simeon Brown has officially opened the new Athlae Lyon Day Stay Unit at Auckland’s Starship Children’s Hospital, marking a major leap forward in the ongoing redevelopment of New Zealand’s largest dedicated paediatric facility. The new unit, purpose-built to provide care without the need for overnight admission, is set to improve access, efficiency, and the overall hospital experience for thousands of children and their families across the country.

“Starship plays a critical role in caring for our most vulnerable children,” said Minister Brown at the opening ceremony. “Not just from Auckland, but from right across New Zealand. It provides lifesaving care and specialist services that families depend on during some of the most challenging times they will face.”

Expanded Capacity to Meet Growing Demand

The Athlae Lyon Day Stay Unit replaces a smaller facility that could accommodate only three procedure chairs. The new unit now offers six procedure chairs and two additional flexible-use rooms that can serve multiple functions, including sleep studies or isolation spaces when infection control is needed. The increased capacity is expected to significantly reduce wait times, improve workflow, and enhance the quality of care.

“This unit is a significant step toward delivering the modern, fit-for-purpose health services that children and their families deserve,” said Mr Brown. “Shifting appropriate procedures to this unit will help hospital teams work more efficiently, and free up inpatient beds for those who truly need overnight or acute care.”

Designed with Children and Families in Mind

The new day stay unit has been thoughtfully designed to meet both clinical needs and the emotional needs of young patients and their caregivers. The environment is bright, colorful, and child-friendly, aimed at reducing anxiety and creating a more comforting experience for children undergoing medical procedures.

Services to be delivered at the new unit include:

• Medical infusions

• Allergy testing

• Follow-up care and reviews for chronic conditions

• Sleep studies and diagnostic procedures

By providing these services in a non-inpatient setting, the hospital can now offer faster, more flexible scheduling and reduce the time children and families need to spend in hospital.

Efficiency That Benefits the Entire Hospital

The strategic shift to deliver certain procedures in a dedicated outpatient unit will also have ripple effects across the hospital. With inpatient beds freed up, clinicians can admit and manage children with acute or complex conditions more effectively.

“This is about smarter, more efficient care,” Brown explained. “Children get the treatment they need without unnecessary delays, and we can ensure inpatient resources are used where they’re needed most. It’s a win for everyone.”

Part of a Larger Redevelopment Plan

The new unit is one of several infrastructure and service upgrades underway as part of the Starship Hospital redevelopment project, aimed at modernizing one of New Zealand’s most important medical facilities for children. The Government has committed to continuing investment in health infrastructure that delivers long-term outcomes, both for urban centers and regional services.

“This is not just a new facility — it’s a symbol of our commitment to putting patients and families at the center of health care,” said Minister Brown.

Looking Ahead: More Access, Better Outcomes

With paediatric health services facing increasing pressure from rising demand, workforce constraints, and long-standing infrastructure challenges, the opening of the Athlae Lyon Day Stay Unit offers a forward-looking model for efficient, compassionate care.

“I know that hospital visits can be stressful for children and their families,” said Brown. “This new unit is designed with their wellbeing in mind. It’s about easing that stress and ensuring every child receives the right treatment, at the right time.”

The Government anticipates that the success of this model could be replicated in other health districts, setting a new standard for outpatient paediatric care nationwide.