Visiting restrictions extended as Covid continues at hospital
Visiting restrictions have been extended at Timaru Hospital by 48 hours, until at least tomorrow.
The restrictions were put in place at 2pm on Saturday, after ‘‘a number’’ of patients and staff across wards tested positive for Covid-19, with a decision on when they would be lifted to be made yesterday.
Te Whatu Ora – South Canterbury yesterday afternoon confirmed the temporary visiting suspension had been extended to 2pm tomorrow.
The organisation confirmed there were 27 Covid-19 cases in the hospital yesterday, up from 23 on Sunday, and 21 on Saturday.
Director patient nursing and midwifery Lisa Blackler said the decision to extend the restrictions by 48 hours had been made to ‘‘ensure the safety of our staff, patients and visitors’’.
‘‘We are taking all the necessary steps to ensure that exposure events are contained. Patients are being closely monitored for signs and symptoms of Covid-19,’’ she said.
‘‘Our staff are doing an outstanding job given the continued high occupancy levels in Timaru Hospital.
‘‘We commend our staff for their effort and dedication to patients and their community,’’ Blackler said.
Visitor exceptions applied to the children and maternity wards which allowed for one visitor at a time with a maximum of two visitors per day
‘‘We are taking all the necessary steps to ensure that exposure events are contained. Patients are being closely monitored for signs and symptoms of Covid-19.’’
Lisa Blackler
Director patient nursing and midwifery
between 2pm and 8pm, and maternity services which meant support partners were able to be in the birthing suite.
Those visiting patients on compassionate grounds were also an exception, but those visitors needed to arrange their visit with the ward’s charge nurse manager before going to the hospital, she said.
‘‘We apologise for the inconvenience these restrictions cause for patients and their whā nau.’’