Unable to visit someone in hospital? We can help you stay connected.
Email your message/pictures to patientlink@cdhb.health.nz stating who it is from, who it is for and which hospital/ward they are in. Our volunteers will make sure your message gets to them.
You do not need to show your My Vaccine Pass to enter DHB facilities. You must wear a paper surgical/medical mask at all times unless medically exempt or eating or drinking.
For visitors to all facilities effective from Tuesday 19 April 2022
With the change to the ORANGE Traffic Light setting, Canterbury DHB is easing its visitor policy in recognition of the fact we have passed the peak of the current Omicron outbreak and case numbers are slowly reducing.
The following visitor restrictions are now in place for all Canterbury DHB hospitals and health facilities:
By adhering to these conditions, you help keep our patients, staff, other visitors and yourself safe. We 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.
Exceptions to the ‘one visitor’ policy
Exceptions for people with disabilities
An exception will be made for people with disabilities who are in hospital or have to attend an outpatient appointment – where they need a support person to access health services. For example, a sign language interpreter, support person for someone with a learning disability, or someone to assist with mobility. The support person is in addition to the one permitted visitor.
Face covering exemption cards
The Exemptions Team at the Ministry of Health is now responsible for processing requests for Face Covering Communication Cards.
Updated information about mask wearing, and how to request an exemption card can now be found here. People unable to request an exemption card online can call 0800 28 29 26 and select option 2, or text 8988
See below for specific visiting guidelines for each hospital, exceptions for people with disabilities, and information about mask exemptions.Visitors are welcome at our Tuarangi facility in Ashburton and at our Aged Care Facility within Kaikoura Health, but one at a time please – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. All visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and must wear a medical mask.
Most entrances to Christchurch Hospital will be closed and the only entrances open will be ED & Waipapa Main Entrance, Christchurch Women’s Entrance and the main Christchurch Hospital entrance (under the canopies).
Visiting hours for services in Christchurch Hospital are 11am – 1pm and 3pm – 8pm daily. Visiting hours for services in Christchurch Women's Hospital are 3pm – 8pm daily.
One visitor per patient at a time, – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. Everyone must wear a medical mask unless exempt on medical grounds. Visitor passes are no longer required at Christchurch Hospital.
Parents/caregivers are able to be with their child in hospital (except Children’s Haematology and Oncology Day patients where only one parent or caregiver is permitted at a time, following a supervised negative RAT result).
Children who are inpatients can have one other visitor (other than a parent or caregiver) who is able to visit with permission from the nurse in charge.
You need to comply with the rules for public transport under the COVID-19 Protection Framework which in the case of shuttle use are:
If you need a support person with you at your appointment, please call the number on your outpatient appointment letter to arrange this.
Note: some outpatient appointments will continue to be carried out ‘virtually’ either over the phone, or by a video/Zoom call.
One visitor per patient at a time – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. Children must be aged 12 or over and wear a medical mask.
Visitor passes are no longer required at Burwood Hospital.
If you need a support person with you at your appointment, please call the number on your outpatient appointment letter to arrange this.
One visitor per patient at a time – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. Visitor passes are no longer required for either the Hillmorton or Princess Margaret hospital sites.
One support person by pre-arrangement for community appointments (contact the team or case manager prior to confirm).
Parents/caregivers are able to visit in support of a child.
Additional people will be considered by the Clinical/Charge Nurse Manager or Duty Nurse Manager (after hours). This must be by prior arrangement to ensure that we can meet physical distancing requirements.
In the Acute and inpatient ward:
One visitor per patient at a time – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. No children under 12 please. Medical masks are compulsory unless you are medically exempt.
Visitor passes are no longer required at Kaikoura Health
People attending for urgent care can have one support person with them
For whānau with an essential support role as a partner in care
Women in labour are allowed one support person for the duration of their stay in our facilities
Parents/caregivers are able to be with their child in hospital
People with disabilities can have one support person in addition to their one visitor.
All usual entrances are now open.
One visitor per patient at a time – except where a child over 12 is being accompanied by an adult. Children must be aged 12 and over and must wear a medical mask. Visitor passes are no longer required at Ashburton Hospital.
Ashburton Hospital Visiting Hours are 11am – 2pm and 4pm – 8pm daily.
If you need a support person with you at your appointment, please call the number on your outpatient appointment letter to arrange this.
Café opening hours access requirements:
| Christchurch Hospital Campus: | Opening hours | Pass/ID | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Escape Café | Mon-Fri: 07.00am to 19.30pm Sat-Sun: 09.00am to 19.30pm | Not required | No restrictions – staff, patients, visitors welcome |
| Willow Lane, Waipapa | Daily 08.00am to 08.00pm | Not required | No restrictions |
| Kanuka, Outpatients | Mon-Fri 07.00am to 15.30pm | Not required | No restrictions |
| PeaBerry, Waipapa | Mon-Fri 07.00am to 15.30pm | Not required | No restrictions |
| Parkside Café | Mon-Fri 07.30am to 15.00pm | Not required | No restrictions |
| Christchurch Women's Hospital Café | Mon-Fri 07.30am to 15.00pm | Not required | No restrictions |
| Ashburton Hospital Café | 08:00am to 15:30pm | Not required | No restrictions |
| Burwood Travis Courtyard Café | Open 08.00am to 16.00pm | Not required | No restrictions |
| Hillmorton Hospital Avon Café | 08.00am to 15.00pm | Not required | Staff and consumers who are accompanied by a staff member |
Page last updated: 19 April 2022
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