Changes to Visiting
16/05/2022
Lakes DHB has updated its visitor policy to its hospitals.
Visiting hours remain 11am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm.
The main changes are the number of visitors to inpatients, with inpatients now able to receive two people at a time. This can be one support person and a visitor, or two visitors.
Swap outs are now permitted.
The screening desk has now been removed from Rotorua Hospital and screening is being phased out at Taupō Hospital.
The primary purpose of our policy is to reduce risk of infection within our hospital and community hubs and to keep our most vulnerable people safe.
All visitors must still adhere to the following:
- Wear a face mask or covering, observe strict hand hygiene and physical distance
- NOT have any Covid-19 symptoms or be otherwise unwell
The visitor policy is as follows:
Only two people at a time can be in a patient’s bedspace or room – this can either be support people or visitors.
Both support people and visitors are able to swap out and could be asked to wait in the Atrium area to support our physical distancing requirements.
A support person is not restricted to visiting hours. If required, please ensure visitors and support persons swap out to maintain physical distancing.
Support people and visitors may be asked to wear PPE.
A patient with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 may be able to have a pre-arranged support person organised by the Nurse/Midwife in charge and approved by the patient’s clinician. The identified support person must wear full PPE and will need to stay with the patient.
Theatre/Day Stay
In order to achieve physical distancing requirements only only one support person allowed for patients:
- Child under the age of 18
- Maternity
- Vulnerable person
- Planned Care if agreed with Scheduled Manager
- Emergency/Trauma as determined by the Clinical Team
No entry for any support person with known Covid-19 contact or symptoms.
Support person of patients with COVID are only permitted at discretion of unit clinical nurse manager or duty manager.