"The CPC will liaise with the different parts of the hospital to ensure that staff are working to our policies around child abuse and neglect and act as a resource person to staff," said Mrs Charuk.
Jigsaw Whanganui executive officer Tim Metcalfe said the most important job for the co-ordinator would be targeting what needed to be changed in the health board system to improve responses to vulnerable children.
Head of paediatrics David Montgomery said Whanganui DHB was the only one in New Zealand that did not have a dedicated child protection co-ordinator.
"Responding to the needs of at-risk children and their families is an enormous challenge," he said.
"Abuse and neglect are very prevalent in our society, and the response to these problems require a co-ordinated approach."
Dr Montgomery said the co-ordinator would be directly involved with case management of at-risk children and families.
The existing child protection services included Ms Charuk and social workers attached to different services and departments.
"We anticipate that the appointment of the child protection co-ordinator will bring about a substantial and permanent improvement in the lives of at-risk children," Dr Montgomery said.
"Children who are at risk of abuse and neglect will be identified earlier, and the practical steps taken to assist them to live without fear, violence and deprivation will be swift and effective."
He said clinical staff dealing with the effects of violence and neglect would be supported through education, peer-support, and multi-agency cooperation.
Mr Metcalfe said he was delighted at the establishment of the role and appreciated the health board had to reallocate funds to make room for the new position. The Violence Intervention Programme is audited annually and an Auckland University of Technology audit in 2012 recommended the appointment of a child protection co-ordinator.
The matter was brought to health board members' attention that year but, due to funding constraints, did not go ahead.
A paper was presented again at the end of 2013, and VIP and paediatric services were able to provide the funding needed.
She said the part-time position would be advertised from next week, and they hoped to have someone by late May.