Wandering visitors and random phone calls at Wairarapa Hospital are causing problems for staff.
Unit manager of perioperative services Sharon Woods said lately visitors have been wandering into the wards outside the official visiting hours, which causes disruption for staff.
She said visiting hours for family and friends are from 2pm to
8pm daily and while exceptions to this can be organised by prior arrangement with the nurse in charge for parents of children and the support people of a seriously-ill family member.
If the public tries to enter the hospital outside these hours they will be turned away and asked to come back at the appropriate time.
"Hospital staff recognise the important role of visitors in improving and maintaining the well-being of patients but there has to be a balance between the patients' need for support and their need for rest, the needs of other patients, and the requirements of treatment. Staff need time to care for patients without the constant presence of visitors," Ms Woods said.
Phone calls to patients outside visitor hours cause added disruption. The nominated family member is asked to ring during visiting hours if inquiring about a patient and other interested people should ideally phone the family member rather than the hospital for updates.
"When someone is in hospital, many people want to know about their condition and progress," Ms Woods said.
"Nurses are often the most appropriate person to answer calls about patients, but patient care is improved when nurses have more time to attend to patients, rather than answering phone calls, so please call during visiting hours."
Patients can use mobile phones in the wards but they may be asked to turn them off on occasions to show respect for other patients or because they may interfere with medical equipment.
