VISITING HOSPITAL

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

Last updated:
31 October 2024

Some visitor restrictions for all Health New Zealand | 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 we encourage 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 are advised to not visit our facilities if they are unwell. We advise that you 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 encouraged to be worn at all sites. Masks will be provided if you don’t have one.
Please practice hand hygiene with provided alcohol-based hand rub/gel

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 a surgical mask as a minimum – please use surgical masks provided.

All of our Hospitals

Visiting hours for our hospitals have returned to pre COVID-19 hours.

All visitors are encouraged to wear a medical face mask.

Parents/caregivers can be with their child in hospital and visitors are now allowed, except for the Children’s Haematology and Oncology Day stay where visitor restrictions might apply.

Patients and visitors can also read the additional COVID-19 related visiting guidelines .

Community Services Card = cheaper GP fees

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Community Services Card = cheaper GP fees

Many general practices charge lower fees if you have a Community Services Card (CSC).

If you have a CSC, the most you will pay at participating health clinics is:

$19.50 for an adult standard visit
$13.00 for someone 14 to 17 years old, whose parent or caregiver has a CSC

Things to remember

Not all clinics offer cheaper fees for CSC holders. Call your local GP to find out
You have to be enrolled at a clinic to take advantage of lower fees for CSC holders
If you are eligible for a Community Services Card and don’t yet have one, you should be sent one automatically. Contact Work and Income if you haven’t received a card
Children under 14 don't need a CSC because they all get free appointments

Find out more about Community Services Cards and whether you are eligible at Work and Income.

Page last updated: 2 July 2020

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