DHB changes its visitor policy

Changes to the visitor policy at MidCentral District Health Board facilities have been introduced in response to increasing community cases of Covid-19.

MidCentral DHB Covid-19 senior responsible officer Deborah Davies said there were 528 new cases of Covid19 on Tuesday in the MidCentral rohe (region), of which 20 were in Palmerston North Hospital.

“One of these cases is in ICU where they are being cared for by our team,” she said.

There were now a total of 4668 active cases in the MidCentral region, with 1114 in Horowhenua and 265 in O¯ taki.

The policy changes apply to visitors to MidCentral DHB facilities, including Palmerston North Hospital and Horowhenua Health Centre.

Davies said the changes, which are now in effect, worked to reduce the potential for vulnerable patients and staff to be unknowingly exposed to Covid-19 through visitors.

“With Omicron cases quickly increasing across the rohe, we are now allowing one visitor over the age of 12 per patient. They can visit once a day and must visit between 10am and 8pm.

“Our partners in care programme, Mahi Tahi, will continue as usual, however, there are some additional measures

in place for both Kaimanaaki (partners in care) and visitors.”

Davies says the same rules do not apply to those visiting Covid-19 patients. “If a Covid19 positive patient would like visitors, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the identified nurse in charge.”

Davies says RAT testing may be required for some patients and visitors.

“Those attending outpatient appointments will not routinely be expected to have RATs tests. However, there are

some services and some clinics where vulnerable patients or certain procedures may make the risk of Omicron transmission higher,” she said.

“In these circumstances, we may ask patients to have a RAT test, either before attending or at the clinic. Patients will be notified of this requirement before their appointment where possible or at their visit.”

Increasing numbers of presentations at the emergency department have also led to a change.