VISITING HOSPITAL

All hospital visitors are recommended to wear a medical face mask. Expand this message for information about visiting hospital.

Last updated:
13 March 2023

Some visitor restrictions for all Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury hospitals and health facilities remain in place, but we have relaxed others.

There is still a heightened risk to vulnerable people in hospital and so we recommend all people wear a mask when visiting any of our facilities and follow other advice designed to keep patients, staff and  visitors safe.

To keep everybody safe:

  • Visitors or support people must not visit our facilities if they are unwell. Do not visit if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and haven’t completed your isolation period.
  • Patients may have more than one visitor, except in some situations such as multi-bed rooms where it can cause overcrowding.
  • Surgical/medical masks are recommended to be worn at all sites. Masks will be provided if you don’t have one.
  • For Specialist Mental Health Services everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a face mask in all inpatient areas and areas where consumers are receiving care (i.e. community appointments, home-visits, transporting people). Discretion may be applied in cases where masks impair your ability to communicate effectively.
  • Visitors must not eat or drink in multibed rooms because of the increased risk when multiple people remove their face mask in the same space.
  • Hand sanitiser is available and must be used.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as our staff work hard to protect and care for some of the most vulnerable in our community.

Visiting patients with COVID-19

  • People can visit patients who have COVID-19 but they must wear an N95 mask – this will be provided if you don’t have one.
  • Other methods of communication will be facilitated e.g. phone, Facetime, Zoom, WhatsApp etc where visits aren’t possible.

All of our Hospitals

Visiting hours for our hospitals have returned to pre COVID-19 hours with the exception of Christchurch Women’s Hospital.

All visitors are recommended to wear a medical face mask.

Parents/caregivers are able to be with their child in hospital and visitors are now allowed, except for the Children’s Haematology and Oncology Day stay where just one parent/caregiver is able to attend their appointment with their child. Exceptions by special arrangement only.

Patients and visitors should also read the additional more detailed visiting guidelines for each specific hospital.

More COVID-19 information

Media release

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Read all of the latest Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury media releases. For media contacts and guidelines, see information for media.

603 news items.

Featured – Media release

Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Te Roto o Wairewa | Lake Forsyth

Tuesday 2 April 2024Quick Read

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for Te Roto o Wairewa | Lake... read more about Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Te Roto o Wairewa | Lake Forsyth»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Glentunnel

Tuesday 12 March 2024Quick Read

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at... read more about Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Glentunnel»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Ashley/Rakahuri River

Tuesday 12 March 2024Quick Read

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for the Ashley/Rakahuri River at... read more about Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Ashley/Rakahuri River»

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Featured – Media release

Pressure eases at Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department

Wednesday 6 March 2024Quick Read

  Please attribute comment to Jo Gibbs, Interim Group Director of Operations for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora... read more about Pressure eases at Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department»

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Featured – Media release

Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department under significant pressure

Wednesday 6 March 2024Quick Read

  Please attribute comment to Jo Gibbs, Interim Group Director of Operations for Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora... read more about Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department under significant pressure»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Ashley River above Rangiora-Loburn Bridge

Thursday 29 February 2024Quick Read

Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for the Ashley River above... read more about Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Ashley River above Rangiora-Loburn Bridge»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Ashburton River/Hakatere SH1

Thursday 29 February 2024Quick Read

Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning for Ashburton River/Hakatere SH1. The warning follows... read more about Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Ashburton River/Hakatere SH1»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Selwyn River at the Upper Huts

Tuesday 27 February 2024Quick Read

Health New Zealand |Te Whatu Ora has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for the Selwyn River at the Upper... read more about Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Selwyn River at the Upper Huts»

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Featured – Media release

Smoke from Fire at Worsleys Road near Cracroft, Christchurch – Public Health Warning

Wednesday 14 February 2024Quick Read

Te Whatu Ora has issued a public health warning for smoke from the fire located near Cracroft, Christchurch. Air around... read more about Smoke from Fire at Worsleys Road near Cracroft, Christchurch – Public Health Warning»

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Featured – Media release

Lyttelton residents urged to check for mosquito breeding habitats

Tuesday 13 February 2024Quick Read

One of the roles of our Health Protection Officers* is to monitor the areas around Christchurch Airport and Lyttelton... read more about Lyttelton residents urged to check for mosquito breeding habitats»

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Featured – Media release

Smoke from fire South of SH1 Waipara, North Canterbury – Public Health Warning

Wednesday 7 February 2024Quick Read

Te Whatu Ora National Public Health Service has issued a public health warning for smoke from the fire located near... read more about Smoke from fire South of SH1 Waipara, North Canterbury – Public Health Warning»

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Featured – Media release

Stay cool this Waitangi Day Cantabrians

Saturday 3 February 2024Quick Read

Cantabrians away on a long weekend and celebrating Waitangi Day are being urged to keep cool and hydrated during the... read more about Stay cool this Waitangi Day Cantabrians»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Te Roto o Wairewa – Lake Forsyth

Thursday 1 February 2024Quick Read

Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning after potentially toxic blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) was found... read more about Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Te Roto o Wairewa – Lake Forsyth»

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Featured – Media release

Smoke from fire at North Canterbury locations – Public Health Warning

Friday 19 January 2024Quick Read

Te Whatu Ora has issued a public health warning for smoke from the fires located on Racecourse Road in Amberley and on... read more about Smoke from fire at North Canterbury locations – Public Health Warning»

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Featured – Media release

Slip, slop, slap and wrap Cantabrians!

Thursday 18 January 2024Quick Read

Cantabrians are being urged to keep cool and hydrated during what looks set to be a stretch of scorching temperatures... read more about Slip, slop, slap and wrap Cantabrians!»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at the Upper Huts

Thursday 18 January 2024Quick Read

Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning for Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at the Upper Huts. The warning follows finding... read more about Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at the Upper Huts»

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Featured – Media release

Watch out for the heat Cantabrians!

Tuesday 9 January 2024Quick Read

Cantabrians are being urged to keep cool and hydrated during what looks set to be a stretch of scorching temperatures... read more about Watch out for the heat Cantabrians!»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Lake Pegasus

Friday 5 January 2024Quick Read

Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has issued a health warning after potentially toxic blue-green algae... read more about Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Lake Pegasus»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Lake Hood

Friday 5 January 2024Quick Read

Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has issued a health warning after potentially toxic blue-green algae... read more about Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Lake Hood»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Whitecliffs Domain

Friday 5 January 2024Quick Read

Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has issued a health warning for the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Whitecliffs... read more about Health Warning – Algal Bloom in the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Whitecliffs Domain»

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Featured – Media release

Go Well this summer Cantabrians

Thursday 21 December 2023Quick Read

Go Well this summer Cantabrians Now that summer’s here, it’s important to be prepared and understand how COVID- 19... read more about Go Well this summer Cantabrians»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Rakahuri | Ashley River at Rangiora-Loburn Bridge

Wednesday 20 December 2023Quick Read

Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has issued a health warning for Rakahuri | Ashley River at Rangiora-Loburn... read more about Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Rakahuri | Ashley River at Rangiora-Loburn Bridge»

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Featured – Media release

The heat is on for Canterbury!

Tuesday 19 December 2023

Cantabrians are being urged to keep cool and hydrated during what looks set to be a stretch of scorching temperatures... read more about The heat is on for Canterbury!»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in the South Bank Tributary of the Waiau/Uwha River above the Waiau Bridge

Wednesday 13 December 2023Quick Read

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in the South Bank Tributary of the Waiau/Uwha River above the Waiau Bridge Te Whatu Ora... read more about Health Warning – Algal Bloom in the South Bank Tributary of the Waiau/Uwha River above the Waiau Bridge»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Glentunnel

Wednesday 6 December 2023Quick Read

  Health Warning – Algal Bloom in the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Glentunnel Te Mana Ora | Community and Public... read more about Health Warning – Algal Bloom in the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Glentunnel»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Rakahuri/Ashley River at SH1

Tuesday 5 December 2023Quick Read

  Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Rakahuri/Ashley River at SH1 Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has... read more about Health Warning – Algal Bloom in Rakahuri/Ashley River at SH1»

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Featured – Media release

Cantabrians urged to check it’s safe to swim this long weekend as many beaches remain unsuitable for swimming

Friday 17 November 2023Quick Read

Swimmers are being urged to stay up to date on the quality of their favourite Canterbury beaches, lakes and rivers to... read more about Cantabrians urged to check it’s safe to swim this long weekend as many beaches remain unsuitable for swimming»

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Featured – Media release

People asked to urgently return any medical equipment they have borrowed

Friday 21 July 2023Quick Read

Te Whatu Ora Waitaha is asking people to urgently return walking frames and any items of medical equipment they have... read more about People asked to urgently return any medical equipment they have borrowed»

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Featured – Media release

Recreational water quality results from Lyttelton Bays/Whakaraupō and Akaroa/Whakaroa

Tuesday 20 June 2023

  Environment Canterbury undertook faecal source testing earlier this year in many of the bays and waterways in... read more about Recreational water quality results from Lyttelton Bays/Whakaraupō and Akaroa/Whakaroa»

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Featured – Media release

People asked to urgently return any items of medical equipment they have borrowed

Friday 16 June 2023Quick Read

Te Whatu Ora in Waitaha is asking people to urgently return walking frames and any items of medical equipment they have... read more about People asked to urgently return any items of medical equipment they have borrowed»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Lake Hood

Monday 15 May 2023Quick Read

  Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Lake Hood Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has lifted its... read more about Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Lake Hood»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at the Whitecliffs Picnic Area

Friday 12 May 2023Quick Read

  Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at the Whitecliffs Picnic Area Te Mana Ora... read more about Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in the Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at the Whitecliffs Picnic Area»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Pegasus Lake

Thursday 11 May 2023Quick Read

  Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Pegasus Lake Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has lifted its... read more about Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Pegasus Lake»

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Featured – Media release

Maternity services contract with St George’s Hospital to end

Monday 24 April 2023Quick Read

Fionnagh Dougan, National Director, Hospital and Specialist Services has confirmed an agreement has been reached... read more about Maternity services contract with St George’s Hospital to end»

Featured – Media release

Health Warning Lifted for Algal Blooms in Te Roto o Wairewa-Lake Forsyth, Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Glentunnel and Whitecliffs Domain

Thursday 20 April 2023Quick Read

  Health Warning lifted for Algal Blooms in Te Roto o Wairewa-Lake Forsyth, Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Glentunnel... read more about Health Warning Lifted for Algal Blooms in Te Roto o Wairewa-Lake Forsyth, Waikirikiri-Selwyn River at Glentunnel and Whitecliffs Domain»

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Featured – Media release

Construction begins on third tower for the Waipapa Building at Christchurch Hospital

Friday 14 April 2023Quick Read

Construction has begun on new inpatient wards at Christchurch Hospital, a key milestone for the Waipapa Building... read more about Construction begins on third tower for the Waipapa Building at Christchurch Hospital»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning Lifted – Algal Bloom in Rakahuri/Ashley River at Rangiora-Loburn Bridge

Tuesday 21 March 2023Quick Read

Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Rakahuri/Ashley River at Rangiora-Loburn Bridge Te Mana Ora | Community and... read more about Health Warning Lifted – Algal Bloom in Rakahuri/Ashley River at Rangiora-Loburn Bridge»

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Featured – Media release

Second meningococcal case confirmed this week

Friday 10 March 2023Quick Read

National Public Health Service Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon Pink confirmed this afternoon that a second case of... read more about Second meningococcal case confirmed this week»

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Featured – Media release

Health Warning – Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Rakahuri/ Ashley River at SH1 Bridge

Friday 10 March 2023Quick Read

Te Mana Ora | Community and Public Health has lifted its algal bloom health warning issued for the Rakahuri/ Ashley... read more about Health Warning – Health Warning lifted for Algal Bloom in Rakahuri/ Ashley River at SH1 Bridge»

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Featured – Media release

Confirmed case of Meningococcal Disease in Canterbury

Wednesday 8 March 2023Quick Read

Confirmed case of Meningococcal Disease in Canterbury National Public Health Service Medical Officer of Health Dr Ramon... read more about Confirmed case of Meningococcal Disease in Canterbury»

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