Hawke’s Bay DHB strict visitor policy remains and unchanged in place under traffic light system

2 Dec 2021, 13:50

The visitor policy at Hawke’s Bay DHB remains the same as the country moves into the new traffic light system from Friday 3 December.

Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s Emergency Department will continue to have a strict no visitor or support person policy in place. Discretion would be applied for children and people who had special care needs or disabilities.

In other hospital areas, including the intensive care unit and rural facilities, it will be one visitor at a time during visiting hours between 1-8pm. More than one person can visit during the day, but each person can only visit once a day. 

Chief operating officer Chris Ash said the DHB’s policy had proven to be effective in keeping patients and visitors safe while at hospital or its health centre facilities.

“Safety of our patients is paramount which is why it is vitally important no one who is unwell visits family or friends in hospital,” Mr Ash said.

All visitors must sign-in using the COVID tracer app or provide their details on arrival.  Visitors must also wear a mask. Anyone who forgets a mask will be provided with one.

For people coming to a DHB facility for an outpatient, radiology, or laboratory appointment, they should come alone, unless advised to bring someone with them.  Exceptions may be applied to children and/or anyone with a disability or needing assistance.

Visitors should follow social distancing rules and make sure their hands are thoroughly washed or cleaned with hand sanitiser before and after visiting.

The DHB continues to urge anyone with COVID-19-related symptoms – no matter how mild – to get tested, even if they are vaccinated.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Nick Jones said in the eight days up to 30 November, more than 3000 people had been tested in Hawke’s Bay.

“It is promising many people have got out and got tested, particularly off the back of last weekend’s COVID positive case being detected and locations of interest being notified.

“The earlier we detect any spread of COVID-19, the more effective our response can be in stamping it out.”

Drive in testing stations were open today and right through the weekend as well as booking options.

Dr Jones also reminded people getting vaccinated against COVID-19, or booking in a booster shot if fully vaccinated and it has been more than six months since receiving your second dose.

Hawke’s Bay COVID-19 testing information:

There is drive-in testing available at:

• Latter Day Saints Church, Peterhead Road – 10am-3pm (Fri)
• Napier, Pukemokimoki Marae 10am-3pm (Fri, Sat, Sun)
• Central Hawke’s Bay Health Centre (9am-4pm Fri), (11-1.30 Sat, Sun)
• Totara Health Flaxmere 10am-3pm (sat, Sun)

People can call one of the numbers below to book a test by appointment today.

• The Doctors Napier, 9am - 5pm: 0800 TEST 19 (8378 19)
• Hastings Health Centre, 8am - 8pm: (06) 281 2644
• Queen Street Practice Wairoa: call (06) 838 8333. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics:

For a full list of clinic options and bookings (including walk ins) go to www.hbcovidvaccine.nz