COVID-19: Visitor policy in Delta Alert Level 2 at Waikato DHB

Restricted visitor policy in place across all Waikato DHB hospitals.
To continue to limit the number of people in and around our hospitals and therefore our risk level, we will 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.

 All visitors will need to report to staff on arrival, must wear a face mask or covering, must observe strict hand hygiene, physical distancing and follow the guidance of Waikato DHB staff at all times. 

Hospital visiting hours: 11am-1.30pm and 4-8pm with temporary restrictions and requirements:

• Wear a face mask or covering at all times 
• Use the NZ COVID Tracer app and scan codes displayed or record details to ensure contact tracing can be carried out, if required 
• Remember physical distancing at all times 
• Use the hand sanitiser provided before entering and after visiting 
• A maximum of two visitors may visit
• For inpatient children, parents/caregivers can visit at any time, and both parents/caregivers can visit at the same time  
• Children under 16 must not visit except by prior arrangement 
• If you are unwell, do not visit. 

Specific restrictions apply for the following areas:

• Delivery unit – two people may accompany the woman into the birthing suite for labour and birth. LMCs will also be able to attend women in theatre 
• Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – one visitor for one visit per day in addition to the support person/caregiver. The support person/caregiver and visitor must be the same for the duration of patient stay
• Critical Care (ICU and HDU), Ward A2 at Waikato Hospital and the Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre – one visitor for one visit per day. 

Each patient in the following areas may be accompanied by one support person/caregiver (no other visiting):

• Emergency departments 
• Outpatient clinics 
• Day of Surgery Admission (from 7am to 7pm) 
• Women’s Assessment Unit, antenatal and postnatal wards. 

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, charge midwife 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.

Visitors and cafés
Under Alert Level 2 the Upper Deck cafeteria at Waikato Hospital is a staff-only area. All other food and beverage outlets at our hospitals, except Hockin Café at Waikato Hospital, are open and operating to Alert Level 2 requirements.

Thank you for understanding and respecting our safety requirements.