There is currently COVID-19 in our community which means some changes to our hospitals and clinics. Find out more. As always, we're here if you need us.
We know COVID-19 in the community creates a risk, but we also know whānau have a significant, positive and beneficial role in supporting our patients.
This is why we take a balanced approach to our decision around visiting.
All visitors will have a health screen on arrival and will need to follow a few important rules. They also need to follow the relevant traffic light guidance.()
Please continue to check this page. This information will be reviewed as and when the situation changes.
Current information for visiting
Please note, there may be some areas of the hospital unable to accept visitors to keep everyone safe. These areas may change from time to time. If you’re a nominated visitor, a member of the healthcare team will tell you if your visit is impacted.
Patients in hospital (Inpatients)
A patient may nominate up to two visitors who can visit during their stay in the hospital
These two visitors must be registered before they visit
Only one of the two registered visitors can visit a day
Visiting hours are between 7am and 8pm.
Heading to the emergency department?
You can have one support person with you.
You will be screened on arrival.
Ask your support person to drop you at ED, then park in carpark A or B. They will also be screened at the entrance to ED.
You and your support person will be screened on arrival.
Compassionate exceptions
In addition to the general guidance above, exceptions may be made for compassionate reasons.
In making exemptions on compassionate grounds, consideration will be given to factors, including but not limited to:
Carers of a patient with a disability or cognitive impairment
Support people for those who can’t communicate for themselves
Whānau of long-stay inpatients
Whānau of patients whose condition has worsened
Whānau of patients at or near end of life
Whānau who are unable to maintain contact using alternative modes, for example lack of access to technology
When discussing/agreeing treatment plans where whānau support is required.
Compassionate exemptions must be arranged and approved by the Charge Nurse or Charge Midwife.
Please check you have permission before you visit.
Are you a registered visitor? Here’s what you need to know.
All visitors will be screened on arrival at our sites. You will not be able to enter our sites if they have any of the following:
Fever, diarrhoea and abdominal pain
Cough
Runny nose
Loss of smell or taste
Sore throat
Shortness of breath.
While you’re visiting, there are a few rules you need to follow to keep everyone safe:
Head straight to the ward please do not go anywhere else.
Minimise your contact with others
Wear a face covering at all times
Keep a safe distance of 2 metres where you can
Use hand sanitiser, or wash your hands, on entry to the hospital and after you touch any surfaces.
Other ways to keep in touch
There is free WIFI in our hospitals for patients to use, and we encourage you to keep in touch using your phone.
You can drop clothes, food or gifts for your loved one at one of our main entrances. Please label it with the patient’s name and ward number.
One person should be nominated as the family spokesperson so they can be involved in conversations about the care of their whānau member by phone or video.
