Restrictions on visiting, as with all current COVID-19-related measures, are to ensure the safety of patients and staff by minimising avoidable contact and the potential for spread of the virus.
At Alert Level 2, general inpatients will be able to have two visitors who will be allowed to visit them while they are in hospital. No visitors under 16, unless approved by the clinical manager/lead on the ward.
These visitors are allowed to come once per day. If visitors are from same bubble, they can visit at the same time. If not, they will need to come one at a time.
All visitors must wear a mask and scan or sign-in upon arrival. Medical masks provide a higher level of protection from COVID-19 and visitors are asked to wear one while in our hospitals. Medical masks will be provided at the entrances to our hospitals. Please gel your hands upon arrival and maintain physical distancing.
Visiting will be allowed between set visiting hours. We ask that you stay with your loved one in their room and avoid moving around our wards. When you leave, please go straight to your nearest exit.
Visiting hours: 10am – 1pm and 3pm – 8:00pm.
Where a visitor is allowed to access any DHB facility, they will be asked a set of questions to ensure they are well before they are allowed in.
We’ll also be asking those visiting to follow Alert Level 2 precautions such as ensuring that hands are washed and physical distancing of 2 metres is maintained. This is to keep our patients and our staff safe. For more information, please view our full visitor policy.
In some cases, the restrictions on visiting are a little different, these include:
- Emergency Department – One visitor per patient—this visitor is not to be swapped with another person unless it is discussed with the clinician in charge. Masks must be worn at all times. No visitors under 16.
- Support people for women/people in labour - In addition to your midwife or LMC, one birthing partner is permitted for labour and birth and may stay for postpartum period. Paraparaumu Maternity cannot accommodate partner/support person staying overnight.
After the birth of your baby, one person can visit in hospital during visiting hours. No visitors under 16. Masks must be worn by visitors at all times.
- Outpatient appointments (including radiology) - One support person is permitted to accompany a patient to an outpatient appointment of ambulatory care services. Masks must be worn at all times, by both patients and support people. An additional support person is permitted for those needing physical or psychosocial support. A kaumātua is allowed a support person at all times.
- Visiting NICU/SCBU - Both parents will be able to visit babies in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) one at a time. No siblings or other whānau during this time.
- Intensive Care Units - In ICU, two nominated visitors per patient, per day may visit. Masks must be worn at all times. Physical distancing of 2 metres must be maintained. In events where distancing cannot be maintained, visitors may be asked to visit one at a time.
- Patients with disabilities may have one nominated visitor in addition to their support person.
- Child Health - One parent/caregiver will be allowed to accompany a child for the duration of their admission or outpatient appointment. One parent/caregiver may stay overnight. Both parents may visit on a ward, one at a time. Meals will be provided. No visitors under 16.
- Oncology (cancer) 5 North – one visitor permitted at a time. No children under 16. Visitors from outside the region need approval from the clinician in charge (SMO).
- Dialysis - Due to the difficulty to physical distance, no visiting or support people.
Other exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis – for example allowing family to visit a dying patient - by the clinical team caring for the patient. The clinical team will work with the family, and the infectious diseases team as appropriate, to ensure the right balance between compassion and safety is maintained.
We encourage our patients to nominate a family member to help with communication with whānau.
Our staff can also help you and your loved one in hospital stay connected via phone or video conference. Read more about how we can help
We ask that all families and whānau help us to protect and care for all who are in our care in Capital & Coast DHB and Hutt Valley DHB health services.
There are restrictions on visiting all Capital & Coast DHB and Hutt Valley DHB facilities.
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