14 March 2020

As New Zealand moves to Alert Level 2 in the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Whanganui Hospital is adjusting its visitor policy.

To ensure safety for patients, whānau and visitors, and to maintain physical distancing the following guidelines have been put in place from Thursday, 14 May, for visitors to the hospital:

1. Patients will be asked to minimise the number of visitors and support people that come to the hospital.

2. Their chosen visitors will each be able to visit once per day; one at a time.

3. All visitors must enter the hospital through the main entrance, and will need to register with their contact details on arrival to allow contact tracing.

4. Visiting hours and from 8am to 8pm; seven days a week.

There may be times where patients may have more than 1 visitor, for example patients in Maternity, Children’s Ward or Critical Care Units, and those patients receiving palliative care. Additional visitors to these patients will be dependent on the patients’ needs and at the discretion of the unit manager.

We understand that these restrictions may be difficult for some whānau/families. Please be assured hospital staff will continue to provide compassionate care for all patients during this challenging time.

For further information on COVID-19, go to https://covid19.govt.nz