Updated Hospital Patient and Visitor Policies with Retirement of Traffic Light System
Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Nelson Marlborough have revised our hospital visitor policies to reflect the retirement of the traffic light system.
Retirement of the Traffic Light System:
The Prime Minister announced some important changes to the COVID-19 protection framework that see the country move into a new phase of our response which meant that at 11.59 pm on 12 September 2022, the COVID-19 Protection Framework, A.K.A the ‘traffic light system’ ended, along with changes to several other COVID-19 public health measures.
The new Government requirements are more relaxed for most of the community; however, health care settings are able to set their own requirements based on risk. Health care settings are unique as people who are unwell come together with people who are most vulnerable to infections.
Nationally, the COVID-19 response will remain active and operating in the background, with fewer restrictions on individuals. This means our advisory groups have taken into account regional and district risk-posed to determine a new set of visitor and patient policies.
New Hospital Patient and Visitor Policies
Inpatient Setting
In most inpatient settings (when people stay overnight) this means:
- Visiting hours are strictly 2.30pm-8pm.
- Three visitors may be nominated by the patient to visit one at a time.
- Children under 12, accompanied by an adult, may visit by prior arrangement. Please phone the main line on 03 546 1800 and ask to be put through to the ward you want to visit.
- Exceptions to the above (eg, compassionate grounds) require approval by the manager in charge. To request an exception, please phone the main line on 03 546 1800 and ask to be put through to the ward you want to visit.
In high-risk in-patient settings (ED, Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency Unity) where patients are particularly vulnerable, this means:
- Visiting hours are strictly 2.30pm-8pm.
- One person may visit for one visit per day.
- Specific advice is in place for Maternity and Oncology Chemotherapy Unit, please phone the main line on 03 546 1800 and ask to be put through to the ward you want to visit.
- Exceptions to the above (eg, compassionate grounds) require approval by the manager in charge. To request an exception, please phone the main line on 03 546 1800 and ask to be put through to the ward you want to visit.
Outpatient setting
In the outpatient setting (where people attend an appointment) this means:
- One visitor may accompany a patient to the clinic.
- One parent/guardian may accompany a child to the child's appointment, unless in exceptional circumstances.
- Exceptions (eg, disability, interpreter requirements, compassion) require approval by the manager in charge. To request an exception, please phone the main line on 03 546 1800 and ask to be put through to the Outpatient charge nurse manager.
A note on masks:
- It is mandatory for visitors to the hospital to wear a medical mask.
- It is encouraged for patients and their support persons to wear a medical mask.
- If you have a disability or health condition that prevents you from being able to wear a mask, we ask that you provide a valid exemption card and let us know in advance so we can make appropriate plans. Please alert the team by phoning the number provided in your appointment/surgery letter. If we don’t know in advance, you will be asked to wait at the main entrance when you arrive and a clinical member of staff will come and talk with you to understand the risks. This may cause a delay for you as appropriate measures are put in place to keep everyone safe. Valid exemption cards can be issued by Disabled Persons Assembly NZ, Blind Citizens NZ and Deaf Aotearoa. People can request an exemption if they have a disability or a health condition that makes wearing a mask unsuitable.
A reminder on general visitor guidelines:
- Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Nelson Marlborough prioritises the safety and privacy of patients, visitors and staff.
- We ask visitors to follow common-sense rules to ensure that patients can rest and recover, and to ensure that other visitors are not disrupted.
Rules for visitors to Te Whatu Ora - Nelson Marlborough hospitals and other facilities
- Only visit if you are well – patients are vulnerable to contagious viruses and disease
- Photographs, video and audio recordings can only be taken with the permission of the patient, staff member and other people in the room. Ask first.
- Violence and threatening or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated. Depending on the behaviour, people who break this rule will be warned or asked to leave. We will also call security staff or the police.
- Respect other patients and visitors in shared rooms. Patients appreciate peace and quiet.
- Ask medical staff first before offering food or beverages to a patient
- Alcohol, drugs and cigarettes are not allowed
- Call in advance if wanting to visit a family member after 8.30pm
- Wait patiently for assistance from staff who may be busy attending to patients.