As the country moved to Covid-19 Alert Level 2(except Auckland), changes have been made to the restricted visitor policy across all Waikato DHB hospitals starting 11.59pm last night (Sept 7) to limit their risk level.
As a result, all hospitals under WDHB will continue to limit and maintain visitor restrictions.
“The primary purpose of our visitor restrictions during the COVID-19 alert period is to reduce risk of infection in our hospitals and to keep everyone safe. These restrictions are in keeping with Ministry of Health guidelines,” says the notification.
All visitors are expected to follow the guidance of Waikato DHB staff at all times, will need to report to staff on arrival, must wear a face mask or covering and must observe physical distancing.
Only one visit by one person, once a day will be permitted during hospital visiting hours(11am-1.30pm and 4-8pm).
According to the guidelines, children will not be allowed into hospital wards and if any visitor is unwell, they should not visit.
Specific restrictions have been put in place in some of the departments, including Emergency and delivery/maternity departments.
Under current alert level 2, one support person/caregiver (no other visiting) is permitted with each patient in the Emergency, OPD, Day of Surgery Admission, Antenatal/ postnatal wards and Paediatric areas.
Under the changed policy, two support people are allowed during labour and birth in the delivery/ maternity units. LMCs will also be able to attend women in theatre.
In the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), one visitor is allowed in addition to the support person/caregiver. The support person/caregiver and visitor, however, must be the same for the duration of patient stay.
According to the WDHB, the current ‘no visitors’ policy will remain in place for Critical Care (ICU and HDU), Ward A2 at Waikato Hospital and the Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre.
“We recognise how important the support of whānau is for our patients and some exceptions may be possible on essential or compassionate grounds and must be approved by the Charge Nurse Manager or, out of hours, the Duty Nurse Manager.
“We encourage patients and families to use technology where available to maintain contact in these difficult times.”
NewsViews – the community focused news portal from Hamilton
– from NewsViews
