Temporary no-visitors policy now in place at Taranaki DHB

27 March 2020

In line with the Government directive to implement COVID-19 alert level 4 protocol, all Taranaki District Health Board (TDHB) facilities have implemented a temporary no-visitors policy.

There are just a few exceptions to this temporary policy, including:

Neonatal Unit (NNU) and Ward 2B (paediatrics) - one parent/guardian only.
Labour & Maternity wards - one significant other only
One nominated person who is supporting a terminal patient through end-of-life care.

The decision about whether exceptional circumstances apply is at the clinical nurse manager or another lead clinician’s discretion.

Taranaki DHB chief operating officer said, “In all exceptions where a visitor is allowed to access any TDHB facility, appropriate screening will take place before they are allowed to enter the care environment to ensure they are well, have clean hands and are using appropriate PPE.”

This measure, as with all current COVID-19-related measures, is to ensure the safety of patients and staff by minimising avoidable contact and the potential for spread.

“We are going through an extraordinary situation where we must examine our tikanga to enable us to care for those people who are in hospital in the best possible way.

“To this end, our new tikanga for visiting is designed to protect and care for those tūroro and tāngata whaiora who are in hospital. These tikanga are based on tiaki, manaaki and aroha. I ask that all whānau help us to protect and care for all who are in our care,” Gillian said.

For any public queries, please email Taranaki DHB’s dedicated COVID-19 email address: TDHBCovid.Enquiries@tdhb.org.nz.

Only people with COVID-19 symptoms should call Healthline’s COVID-19 line (0800 358 5453).

Last updated: Saturday, March 28, 2020