Masks a must as usual visiting hours resume at hospital

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne Hospital visiting hours are back to normal but all visitors and people attending outpatient appointments are being asked to wear a face covering.

With the district under Covid-19 Alert Level 1, visiting hours are between 2pm and 8pm daily on most wards.

The ward doors are locked outside these hours.

More than one person can visit at a time, and supervised children are welcome.

There may be restrictions visiting critical care areas such as Intensive Care and the Neonatal Unit due to capacity.

“We are asking visitors and people attending outpatient appointments to wear a face covering,” said a spokeswoman.

“If they don't have one, they can ask a staff member for a mask.”

Visitors will no longer be screened by staff on entry.

However, all people coming to the Emergency Department or a health services appointment will be asked if they have any cough or flu-like symptoms or have been in contact with anyone who has had recent exposure to Covid-19.

Visitors are asked to scan the QR codes in every hospital department they visit with the Covid Tracker app.

“If we suddenly had Covid-19 in our community, this helps us follow up any contacts,” said the spokeswoman.

“People in hospital are vulnerable, so visitors need to take care.

“If you are feeling unwell or have a runny nose or cough, please don't visit anyone in the hospital.

“It's still important that everyone keeps up hygiene measures, including washing hands and coughing or sneezing into their elbow.

“We know that for people with loved ones in hospital, the last few months restrictions have been frustrating.”

The hospital was grateful for people's co-operation “and helping to keep our patients and staff safe”.