VISITING HOSPITAL

All hospital visitors are recommended to wear a medical face mask. Expand this message for information about visiting hospital.

Last updated:
13 March 2023

Some visitor restrictions for all Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury hospitals and health facilities remain in place, but we have relaxed others.

There is still a heightened risk to vulnerable people in hospital and so we recommend all people wear a mask when visiting any of our facilities and follow other advice designed to keep patients, staff and  visitors safe.

To keep everybody safe:

  • Visitors or support people must not visit our facilities if they are unwell. Do not visit if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and haven’t completed your isolation period.
  • Patients may have more than one visitor, except in some situations such as multi-bed rooms where it can cause overcrowding.
  • Surgical/medical masks are recommended to be worn at all sites. Masks will be provided if you don’t have one.
  • For Specialist Mental Health Services everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a face mask in all inpatient areas and areas where consumers are receiving care (i.e. community appointments, home-visits, transporting people). Discretion may be applied in cases where masks impair your ability to communicate effectively.
  • Visitors must not eat or drink in multibed rooms because of the increased risk when multiple people remove their face mask in the same space.
  • Hand sanitiser is available and must be used.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as our staff work hard to protect and care for some of the most vulnerable in our community.

Visiting patients with COVID-19

  • People can visit patients who have COVID-19 but they must wear an N95 mask – this will be provided if you don’t have one.
  • Other methods of communication will be facilitated e.g. phone, Facetime, Zoom, WhatsApp etc where visits aren’t possible.

All of our Hospitals

Visiting hours for our hospitals have returned to pre COVID-19 hours with the exception of Christchurch Women’s Hospital.

All visitors are recommended to wear a medical face mask.

Parents/caregivers are able to be with their child in hospital and visitors are now allowed, except for the Children’s Haematology and Oncology Day stay where just one parent/caregiver is able to attend their appointment with their child. Exceptions by special arrangement only.

Patients and visitors should also read the additional more detailed visiting guidelines for each specific hospital.

More COVID-19 information

Health news

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Read the latest Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury health news, media releases, and current health alerts for the Canterbury region. Our flagship news publications Waitaha Canterbury Pānui and WellNow Canterbury magazine are available to read online.​ The Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury Communications team are also available to assist with any enquiries from media.

1085 news items.

Media release

Influenza vaccinations now available

Monday 4 April 2022Quick Read

There may be higher rates of influenza in New Zealand this winter with our borders reopening. Influenza can cause... read more about Influenza vaccinations now available»

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Media release

Additional Novavax COVID-19 vaccine bookings now available in Canterbury

Friday 18 March 2022Quick Read

Additional bookings for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine are now available through the Book My Vaccine website. Novavax is... read more about Additional Novavax COVID-19 vaccine bookings now available in Canterbury»

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Media release

Nine additional RAT collection sites for Canterbury

Wednesday 16 March 2022Quick Read

Today nine additional RAT collection sites will open at pharmacies across Canterbury. These pharmacies will be only be... read more about Nine additional RAT collection sites for Canterbury»

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Media release

Reporting your RAT result important to get the support you need

Monday 14 March 2022Quick Read

With Omicron case numbers rising in the community, we’re reminding Cantabrians of the importance of registering rapid... read more about Reporting your RAT result important to get the support you need»

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Media release

Vaccination programme re-prioritisation implemented in Canterbury

Monday 14 March 2022Quick Read

The impact of Omicron has led to re-prioritisation of the COVID-19 vaccination programme according to Canterbury... read more about Vaccination programme re-prioritisation implemented in Canterbury»

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Media release

Some Canterbury health services deferred as DHB staffing impacted by COVID-19

Monday 14 March 2022Quick Read

As the number of active cases of Omicron continues to rise in our community, more Canterbury DHB staff are contracting... read more about Some Canterbury health services deferred as DHB staffing impacted by COVID-19»

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Media release

New waiata released to encourage children and their families to get vaccinated

Thursday 10 March 2022Quick Read

A new waiata has been released to encourage all our whānau to get vaccinated, including their tamariki. Dr Seán... read more about New waiata released to encourage children and their families to get vaccinated»

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Media release

New community Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) pick up point opened in Rolleston

Wednesday 9 March 2022Quick Read

A new community Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) pick up point has opened today at Factory Drive off Iport Drive in the IPort... read more about New community Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) pick up point opened in Rolleston»

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Media release

Canterbury DHB confirms first cases of COVID-19 on Chatham Islands

Sunday 6 March 2022Quick Read

Canterbury DHB’s Emergency Coordination Centre Controller, Dr Helen Skinner confirmed this afternoon that two Chatham... read more about Canterbury DHB confirms first cases of COVID-19 on Chatham Islands»

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Media release

New RAT collection site to open in Canterbury tomorrow

Sunday 6 March 2022Quick Read

A sixth community Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) pick up point opens tomorrow at 11am at the Christchurch Arena. Entry for... read more about New RAT collection site to open in Canterbury tomorrow»

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Media release

Tomorrow’s industrial action called off – services starting to be reinstated at Canterbury and West Coast DHBs

Thursday 3 March 2022Quick Read

An Employment Court ruling has called a stop to tomorrow’s planned strike by Allied, Public Health, Scientific and... read more about Tomorrow’s industrial action called off – services starting to be reinstated at Canterbury and West Coast DHBs»

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Media release

Expect delays and changes to DHB services during tomorrow’s planned strike by PSA members

Thursday 3 March 2022Quick Read

Patients of Canterbury and West Coast DHBs can expect to see delays and changes to services during this week’s strike... read more about Expect delays and changes to DHB services during tomorrow’s planned strike by PSA members»

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Media release

New COVID-19 testing centre to open in Rangiora from 9am Thursday 03 March

Tuesday 1 March 2022Quick Read

New COVID-19 testing centre to open in Rangiora from 9am Thursday 03 March To help meet high public demand for testing,... read more about New COVID-19 testing centre to open in Rangiora from 9am Thursday 03 March»

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Media release

Patients in Canterbury rural health facilities to be temporarily relocated

Tuesday 1 March 2022Quick Read

As part of its COVID-19 contingency planning and with the support of the Board, Canterbury DHB will be temporarily... read more about Patients in Canterbury rural health facilities to be temporarily relocated»

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Media release

Additional screening for patients being admitted to Canterbury DHB hospital and maternity facilities

Friday 25 February 2022Quick Read

With Aotearoa New Zealand moving to Phase 3 of the Omicron response and rapid antigen tests (RATs) being rolled out... read more about Additional screening for patients being admitted to Canterbury DHB hospital and maternity facilities»

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Media release

Primary care clinics encouraging Cantabrians to get their boosters

Friday 25 February 2022Quick Read

As the number of community cases is rapidly rises in Canterbury, some primary care clinics (general... read more about Primary care clinics encouraging Cantabrians to get their boosters»

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Media release

New COVID-19 testing centre opens in Wigram from 10am Tuesday 22 Feb

Monday 21 February 2022Quick Read

New COVID-19 testing centre opens in Wigram from 10am Tuesday 22 Feb To help meet high public demand for testing, an... read more about New COVID-19 testing centre opens in Wigram from 10am Tuesday 22 Feb»

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Media release

Cantabrians urged to make bookings to get their boosters

Monday 21 February 2022Quick Read

Cantabrians are being urged to make bookings to get their boosters as soon as they become eligible, says Tracey Maisey,... read more about Cantabrians urged to make bookings to get their boosters»

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Media release

Canterbury DHB updates its visitor policy

Monday 21 February 2022

  Please attribute comment to Tracey Maisey, Incident Controller, Canterbury DHB Emergency Coordination Centre... read more about Canterbury DHB updates its visitor policy»

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Media release

Surgical masks introduced for all DHB staff and visitors

Sunday 23 January 2022

Under the RED setting, it’s business as usual with surgery and outpatient appointments going ahead, and only minor... read more about Surgical masks introduced for all DHB staff and visitors»

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Media release

Bookings strongly recommended for tamariki COVID-19 immunisations

Friday 14 January 2022Quick Read

From Monday, parents or caregivers of 5 to 11-year-olds can get their tamariki immunised against COVID-19, says Dr... read more about Bookings strongly recommended for tamariki COVID-19 immunisations»

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Media release

Keeping yourself safe with COVID-19 in the Community

Thursday 30 December 2021

There are a number of things you can do to keep yourself safe while out and about in Canterbury. Mask up – wearing a... read more about Keeping yourself safe with COVID-19 in the Community»

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Media release

COVID-19 testing locations over Christmas weekend

Friday 24 December 2021Quick Read

Locations of interest in relation to today’s case will be posted to the Ministry of Health website. Every new... read more about COVID-19 testing locations over Christmas weekend»

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Media release

Canterbury patients to be treated to a festive feast this Christmas

Friday 24 December 2021Quick Read

If you thought planning and cooking a Christmas meal for the whānau was a big undertaking, spare a thought for... read more about Canterbury patients to be treated to a festive feast this Christmas»

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Media release

Care around the clock available to Cantabrians wherever they go this summer

Tuesday 21 December 2021

This summer, wherever your holidays take you around Aotearoa New Zealand, remember that you can still get free health... read more about Care around the clock available to Cantabrians wherever they go this summer»

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Media release

New Central City Primary Birthing Unit for Christchurch

Monday 20 December 2021Quick Read

Norma Campbell, Executive Director – Midwifery and Maternity Services Canterbury and West Coast DHBs, is... read more about New Central City Primary Birthing Unit for Christchurch»

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Media release

Canterbury’s government agencies team up to support COVID-19 Care in the Community

Friday 17 December 2021Quick Read

Canterbury’s Regional Public Service Commissioner for Canterbury and the Chatham Islands, Ben Clark, said while... read more about Canterbury’s government agencies team up to support COVID-19 Care in the Community»

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Media release

Public access to Canterbury DHB facilities under the ‘traffic light’ system at ORANGE

Friday 3 December 2021

  Public access to Canterbury DHB facilities under the ‘traffic light' system at ORANGE Canterbury DHB has... read more about Public access to Canterbury DHB facilities under the ‘traffic light’ system at ORANGE»

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Media release

Canterbury reaches 90 percent fully vaccinated milestone

Friday 3 December 2021Quick Read

Today the Canterbury community has reached the milestone of having 90 percent of our eligible population fully... read more about Canterbury reaches 90 percent fully vaccinated milestone»

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Media release

COVID-19 testing continues to be available for Cantabrians

Friday 19 November 2021

With COVID-19 cases continuing to be reported in the region, Cantabrians are being reminded of the COVID-19 testing... read more about COVID-19 testing continues to be available for Cantabrians»

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Media release

Cantabrians urged to get tested after notification of COVID-19 case

Wednesday 17 November 2021

Please attribute comment to Dr Helen Skinner, Senior Responsible Officer for the COVID-19 response, Canterbury DHB:... read more about Cantabrians urged to get tested after notification of COVID-19 case»

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Media release

Canterbury DHB makes changes to visitor restrictions following sixth day of no new community cases

Thursday 4 November 2021

Please attribute comment to Tracey Maisey, Canterbury DHB Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) Controller: Following a... read more about Canterbury DHB makes changes to visitor restrictions following sixth day of no new community cases»

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Media release

COVID-19 testing urged in Canterbury following recent wastewater detections

Monday 1 November 2021Quick Read

With the Ministry of Health confirming the detection of COVID-19 in two new wastewater samples collected in... read more about COVID-19 testing urged in Canterbury following recent wastewater detections»

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Media release

Visiting Canterbury DHB facilities still limited, due to COVID-19 cases and Locations of Interest in the region

Monday 1 November 2021

Visitor access to all Canterbury DHB health facilities will remain restricted until at least 11:59pm Thursday 4... read more about Visiting Canterbury DHB facilities still limited, due to COVID-19 cases and Locations of Interest in the region»

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Media release

COVID-19 testing continues to be available for Cantabrians

Friday 29 October 2021

With COVID-19 cases continuing to be reported in the region, Cantabrians are being reminded of the COVID-19 testing... read more about COVID-19 testing continues to be available for Cantabrians»

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Media release

Canterbury DHB updates visitor restrictions following confirmation of COVID-19 cases in region

Thursday 28 October 2021

With the confirmation of COVID-19 cases in Christchurch, visitor access to all Canterbury DHB health facilities will be... read more about Canterbury DHB updates visitor restrictions following confirmation of COVID-19 cases in region»

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Media release

Cantabrians urged to get tested after notification of two COVID-19 cases

Thursday 28 October 2021Quick Read

Please attribute comment to Dr Helen Skinner, Senior Responsible Officer for the COVID-19 response, Canterbury DHB:... read more about Cantabrians urged to get tested after notification of two COVID-19 cases»

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Media release

 Free COVID testing is also available through many General Practices as well as at Community-based Testing Centres in Canterbury

Saturday 21 August 2021

 Free COVID testing is also available through many General Practices as well as at Community-based Testing Centres in... read more about  Free COVID testing is also available through many General Practices as well as at Community-based Testing Centres in Canterbury»

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Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury News

Canterbury and West Coast DHBs planning for 19 August NZNO and MERAS strikes well underway

Friday 13 August 2021

Canterbury and the West Coast DHBs are implementing contingency plans for the strike action planned by New Zealand... read more about Canterbury and West Coast DHBs planning for 19 August NZNO and MERAS strikes well underway»

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Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury News

Canterbury and West Coast DHBs planning for the 10/11 August MERAS midwives’ strikes

Monday 9 August 2021Quick Read

Canterbury and West Coast DHBs are implementing contingency plans for a planned eight-hour strike by midwife members of... read more about Canterbury and West Coast DHBs planning for the 10/11 August MERAS midwives’ strikes»

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Showing 601-640 of 1085 results, page 16 of 28.

Page last updated: 18 August 2022

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