COVID-19 Whanganui hospital visitor update

Sunday 22 March 2020

Following the government announcement on Saturday 21 March 2020 of a COVID-19 alert system, visitors are now limited to two at a time for each patient in Whanganui Hospital and some appointments have been postponed.

At this stage, the number of visitors for patients in CCU or visiting those receiving end-of-life care will be on a case-by-case basis.

Visitors will be asked for their contact details in case they need to be contacted.

One person is still welcome to stay overnight with their loved one.

If you suspect you are unwell, please call the COVID-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453.

For the latest updates from the Ministry of Health please visit health.govt.nz/covid-19 and https://covid19.govt.nz/

Read more at Media release #3 New visitor restrictions for Whanganui Hospital in response to COVID-19

Parking

Ample free parking is provided for patients and visitors to Wanganui Hospital. Please only park in allocated spaces and leave the disabled car parks for those people requiring them.

The visitor parking area is to the right of the entranceway to the hospital, as you enter Gate 1.

There is a drop-off area immediately in front of the hospital's main entrance and Emergency Department.

Disabled car parks are located just past the Emergency Department drop off zone.

Infection control for visitors

Everyone plays a part in fighting the spread of infection, including health care staff, patients and their visitors.

It is important that you do not visit a patient if you are unwell. If you have a cold, sore throat, upset stomach or diarrhoea you should stay at home until you are fully well.

Before visiting a patient on the ward and after using the bathroom, please ensure you use the hand sanitiser, which is available by the doors to each ward. Rub it all over your hands and between your fingers until your hands are dry.

Many diseases are spread through sneezes and coughs. Please cover your nose and mouth when coughing, and wash your hands afterwards.