Those with friends and family in Thames Hospital will now be able to visit their loved-ones after a move from Covid Alert Level 4 to 3.
Waikato DHB has put a new restricted visitor policy in place across all its Waikato hospitals from April 28.
In a statement, the DHB said Alert Level 3 visiting restrictions took into account guidance provided at a national level, with the health and wellbeing of patients and staff the highest priority.
“We also recognise how important the support of whānau and friends is for our patients,” the statement said.
Visiting hours will be from 11am to 1:30pm and 4pm to 8pm with additional, temporary restrictions and requirements.
All visitors must be from the same bubble and submit personal details to ensure contact tracing can be performed if required, with only one visitor per patient and one visit per day. No children will be allowed on the wards and all visitors must not have any cold-like symptoms. Delivery and maternity patients may have one support person from extended bubble, there will be one caregiver allowed for paediatrics and one support person for the Emergency Department.
The current ‘no visitors’ policy will remain in place for Critical Care (ICU and HDU) and the Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre. Some exceptions may be possible on essential or compassionate grounds and must be approved by the Charge Nurse Manager prior to approval.
Anyone who is COVID-19 positive or in voluntary or mandated isolation due to potential COVID-19 contact will not be permitted to enter.
Those over 70-years-old, or with an existing health condition which may expose them to greater risk are advised to avoid visiting.
All visitors will be screened prior to entry and must observe strict hand hygiene, social distancing and follow the guidance of staff at all times.
“We thank the community for their continued support, and remind everyone to practice effective hand hygiene through washing with soap for 20 seconds and to maintain appropriate social distancing by staying in your “bubble”. For information and guidance please visit www.covid19.govt.nz.”
For more about Waikato DHB COVID-19 specific information visit: www.waikatodhb.health.nz/covid19
