Wairarapa Hospital has closed its doors to visitors. PHOTO/FILE
GRACE PRIOR
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Wairarapa Hospital has closed its doors to visitors as the region recorded another eight covid-19 hospitalisations on Wednesday.
Ministry of Health [MoH] said there had been 18 hospitalisations of covid-19 cases since March 6.
Wairarapa District Health Board [DHB] said it took the measure because of the rising number of covid-19 patients in the hospital. There would be exceptional circumstances when agreed in advance.
“Kaitiaki, or partners, in care are an exception to the no-visitor status. Kaitiaki in care are agreed between the clinical care team and whanau [family] and support those who are long-term patients, or patients who require hospital services frequently.
“They are more involved in the care plan and actively contribute to patient outcomes.”
The DHB said there was also an exception for people providing extra support to patients due to a disability.
It said disability support could include sign language interpreters and those assisting with mobility.
This comes at MoH reported 166 new covid-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the number of active cases in the region to 940.
MoH said 219 Wairarapa covid-19 cases had now recovered.
There were no covid-19-related deaths recorded in Wairarapa.
The DHB said it required all people entering the hospital would need to wear a mask, and for kaitiaki or partners in care to be vaccinated.
“We understand this move to no visitors will be difficult for families, and we ask for your understanding as the reason for this change is to protect the well-being of your whanau
[family] and hospital staff.
“If whanau would like to consider other options for connecting, please speak with the charge nurse of the area your family member is in.”
The DHB said that on top of visitor reductions, planned care would also be reduced.
It said elective surgery and care that was not in relation to an acute, urgent need would be deferred where it was clinically safe to reschedule.
“This does not apply to people needing acute surgery or cancer treatments, who will receive the urgent treatment they require.”
