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COVID-19: Restricted visiting Waikato DHB hospitals

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COVID-19: Restricted visiting for all Waikato DHB Hospitals 

Waikato District Health Board welcomes whānau and acknowledges the important role they play in supporting patients staying in hospital or coming for an appointment.

To help keep our patients, staff and community safe we are continuing to restrict visitors at our sites.

The purpose of our policy is to reduce risk of infection in our hospitals and to keep our most vulnerable people safe. Surgical masks must be worn at all times at all of our DHB sites, in line with national policy.

At this time only key support people are allowed. A key support person is someone who has been identified by the patient to provide necessary emotional and/or practical support to that individual during their stay.

A key support person may attend 24/7 in the following areas:

  • Delivery Suite
  • Emergency Department
  • Women’s Assessment Unit
  • Paediatrics
  • Intensive Care Unit

Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre

We are not able to accommodate any physical visiting to HRBC at this time. We encourage the use of technology to stay in contact with loved ones. Please contact the service if you require any support with this. 

Other areas:
One key support person per patient only will be allowed in the inpatient wards during normal visiting hours only (11am – 1.30pm and 4pm – 8pm daily).

All key support people are required to:

  • Wear a surgical mask at all times (or increased PPE if instructed by clinical staff)
  • Use hand sanitiser on entry and exit from our facilities
  • Maintain physical distancing

Outpatient clinics
Patients attending outpatient clinics who wish to bring a key support person should liaise with the clinic prior to arrival.  Please call ahead to the number listed on your booking reference letter.  We encourage all outpatients and their key support person to depart the hospital at the completion of their appointment.

COVID-19 ward areas
For any areas which have known COVID-19 positive patients, the key support person is required to contact the Charge Nurse Manager in order to ensure visiting is permitted or to organise any specific requirements. 

Visitors

  • No casual visiting can be accommodated at this time
  • No children under the age of 12 can be accommodated at this time
  • Hospitals will continue to have restricted entry points to support screening

Some exceptions to our current no visitor policy may be possible on essential or compassionate grounds, and must be approved by the charge nurse manager, charge midwife manager or, the duty nurse manager (for out of hours requests).