HOSPITAL VISITING

All hospital visitors are recommended to wear a medical face mask. For more information about visiting: Visitors and family. See our COVID-19 page for general COVID-19 advice, detailed hospital visiting guidelines and COVID-19 tests.

See West Coast COVID-19 vaccination clinics for info on vaccinations link COVID-19 Vaccination • West Coast • Healthpoint

Last updated:
16 September 2022

Fewer visitor restrictions now apply

For visitors to all facilities (effective from and last updated on 16 September 2022)

Some visitor restrictions for all Te Whatu Ora Te Tai o Poutini West Coast health facilities remain in place, but we have relaxed others.

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

Kia whakahaumaru te whānau, me ngā iwi katoa – this is 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 in single rooms may have more than one visitor while patients in multi-bed rooms can have one visitor only per patient to ensure there is no overcrowding.
  • People can have one or two support people to accompany them to outpatients appointments.
  • Women in labour in a birthing suite, in Te Nīkau Hospital’s Maternity Ward and in Buller’s Kawatiri Maternity Unit can have the usual support people, subject to space, for the duration of their stay in our facilities.
  • Eating or drinking at the bedside is at the discretion of the Clinical Nurse Manager. Visitors must not eat or drink in multibed rooms because of the increased risk when multiple people remove their 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.

Mask wearing

  • Surgical/medical masks must be worn at all sites, except in counselling, mental health and addiction services where it’s on a case-by-case agreement with patients. Masks will be provided if you don’t have one. In higher-risk environments, people, including young children, may not be able to visit if they cannot wear a mask.
  • Any member of the public with a mask exemption is welcome in all our facilities when attending to receive health care and *treatment. Please show your mask exemption card and appointment letter to staff at the entrance. *Treatment includes coming into the Emergency Department, outpatient appointments, surgery or a procedure.

Visiting patients with COVID-19

  • People are able to 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.

You must NOT visit our facilities if you

  • are COVID-19 positive
  • are unwell. Please stay home if you have a tummy bug or cold or flu/COVID-19-like symptoms (even if you’ve tested negative for COVID-19).

Te Whatu Ora West Coast Aged Residential Care facilities

Visitors are welcome at our Aged Care Residential facilities, subject to the space available. All visitors must wear a surgical mask.

More COVID-19 information

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9 documents.

West Coast Pānui – Issue: 1 – Monday 22 August 2022

In this edition, read about the Te Whatu Ora Change Hub, which includes information about the working groups, work streams and the design process of the new health system operating model. There’s an update on our visitor restrictions as well as some helpful information about supporting healthcare workers through the pandemic.  Also, in this edition, we welcome Dr Calvin Davis to the South Westland Area Practice team, shine the spotlight on Medical Laboratory Technician Harriet Hoeve as well as Immunisation Coordinator Jessie Chapman.There’s a quiz that tests your knowledge of medical-themed TV shows and movies and a delicious Curried Kumara Soup recipe.

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Te Nīkau Health Centre Newsletter – Autumn 2025

Autumn Health Tips

  • Flu Vaccine: Available from April 1—get immunized before winter.
  • Quit Smoking: World Smokefree Day is in May; support services available.
  • Skin Care: Moisturize and keep using sunscreen despite cooler weather.
  • Well-Being: Shorter days can affect mood—prioritize self-care and rest.

Phone Prescription Policy

  • Enrolled Patients Only: Requests must meet clinical guidelines.
  • Processing Time: Allow up to 72 hours for completion.
  • Consultation Required If: It’s a first-time, restarted, or closely monitored medication.
  • Blood Tests: If required, complete them before requesting repeat scripts.

Scheduling Appointments

  • GP Visits: Can be booked up to six weeks in advance.
  • Routine Needs: Plan ahead for medical certificates, repeat scripts, and check-ups.
  • Contact Updates: Ensure your phone/email details are current for communication.

Urgent Primary Care Clinic

  • Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM, Monday to Friday.
  • Same-Day Care: Treats minor illnesses (UTIs, allergies, infections) and injuries (sprains, burns, cuts).
  • Triage Process: Walk in, see a nurse, and receive an appointment time.
  • Non-Urgent Cases: WINZ forms, ACC renewals, and driver’s medicals require routine bookings.

New Health Coach & Support Services

  • Vaughan Kingi: New Health Coach supporting self-management of health.
  • Te Tumu Waiora: Free support for mental well-being, lifestyle, and stress management.

Lake Brunner Clinic News

  • New Rural Nurses: Welcome Georgie and Nicky to the team!
  • Rural Expertise: Backgrounds in acute care, oncology, mental health, and emergency nursing.
  • Community Engagement: Passion for West Coast rural health and outdoor lifestyles.

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Te Nīkau Health Centre Newsletter – Summer 2024

Summer Holiday Preparations

  • Plan Ahead: Order prescriptions early and pack essential medications.
  • Travel Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and antihistamines.
  • After-Hours Care: Enrolled patients can call KA ORA telecare (0800 252 672).

Healthy Summer Lifestyle

  • Outdoor Eating: Keep food cool and covered; clean BBQs properly.
  • Seasonal Fruits: Enjoy summer produce high in fiber and vitamins.
  • Mental Well-Being: Stay active outdoors; focus on exercise, balanced diet, and rest.
  • Sun Protection: Practice “Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap.”
  • Water Safety: Stay hydrated; check conditions before swimming.

Phone Prescription Policy

  • Enrolled Patients Only: Must meet clinical guidelines.
  • Processing Time: Up to 3 days (72 hours).
  • Consultation Required If: Medication is new, restarted, or needs monitoring.
  • Blood Tests: Complete them before requesting repeat scripts if asked.

Urgent Primary Care Clinic

  • Same-Day Care: Treats minor illnesses (e.g., UTIs, allergies) and injuries (e.g., sprains, cuts).
  • Non-Urgent Services: WINZ, ACC renewals, or repeat scripts require routine appointments.
  • Enrollment Note: If enrolled elsewhere, contact your usual provider first.

Primary Care Physiotherapy

  • Musculoskeletal Focus: Bones, joints, muscles, and tendons.
  • No Referral Needed: Can order investigations (e.g., x-ray) and refer to specialists.
  • Similar Cost: Same fee structure as a GP visit.

Lake Brunner Clinic

  • Service Limitations: Staffing shortages may affect hours.
  • Contact Info: Call for updates; Te Nīkau Health Centre can assist with urgent needs.
  • After-Hours: Use Ka Ora Telecare (0800 252 672) for virtual support.

Season’s Greetings

  • Stay Safe & Enjoy: The Te Nīkau Health Centre team sends holiday wishes and encourages everyone to take care this summer.

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Te Nīkau Health Centre Newsletter – Spring 2024

Spring into Health:

  • Get Active: Spring is ideal for increasing physical activity.
  • Healthy Eating: Incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables like asparagus and mangoes into your diet.
  • Mental Health: Exercise, diet, and rest can help improve mental health.
  • Allergy Management: Spring allergies can flare up—consult with the centre for management plans.
  • Sun Protection: Don’t forget to protect your skin as you spend more time outdoors.

Prescription Policy Update:

  • Only enrolled patients can request repeat prescriptions without a consultation.
  • 3 days are required for processing.
  • First-time prescriptions, re-started medications, and some regular medications require a consultation.

Preparing for the Festive Season:

  • Order medications and book appointments early to avoid the holiday rush.

Urgent Primary Care Clinic:

  • Available for same-day care of minor illnesses and injuries like sprains, infections, and UTIs.
  • Note that renewals for WINZ paperwork, ACC, and licenses require routine appointments.

Meet the Team:

  • Introduction to key staff members, including clinical nurse managers, doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and prescribing pharmacists.

Lake Brunner Clinic Updates:

  • Farewells to two long-serving rural nurse specialists.
  • Limited service availability during recruitment.
  • After-hours service through Ka Ora Telecare and emergency service contact info.

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Te Nīkau Health Centre Newsletter – Winter 2024

Te Nīkau Health Centre Newsletter Summary – Winter 2024

Practice Information:

  • Te Nīkau Health Centre: 71 Water Walk Road, Greymouth. Ph. 03 769 9300
  • Lake Brunner Clinic: 49 Koe Street, Moana. Ph. 03 738 0003

Winter Health Tips:

  • Vaccinations: Ensure vaccines are up to date, especially flu shots.
  • Protection: Avoid spreading germs; wear masks and practice good hygiene.
  • Nutrition: Eat 5+ servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
  • Exercise: Aim for 2.5 hours of moderate exercise weekly.
  • Sleep: Adults should get 7-9 hours of sleep nightly.
  • Stress Management: Keep stress in check to maintain a strong immune system.
  • No Smoking: Avoid smoking for better health.

Health Services:

  • Health Coach and Practitioner: Free consultations available with Karla (Health Coach) and Laurence (Health Improvement Practitioner).
  • Antibiotics: Use only for bacterial infections, not viral illnesses like the common cold or flu.
  • Influenza and RSV: Stay home if symptomatic. Healthline is available 24/7 at 0800 611 116.

Shingrix Vaccine:

  • Now funded for adults from 18 years under specific health conditions starting 1 July 2024.

Prescription Policy:

  • Enrolled patients can get repeat prescriptions without a consultation under certain conditions. Allow 72 hours for processing.

West Coast PHO Rebranding:

  • Now West Coast Health, offering free services such as counselling and health navigation. More info at www.westcoasthealth.nz.

Urgent Primary Care Clinic:

  • Same-day care for minor illnesses and injuries. For appointments, present at the main reception.

Te Tumu Waiora Program:

  • Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs): Support for stress, sleep, and behavioral issues.
  • Health Coaches (HCs): Assist with health goals and lifestyle management.

Key Staff:  Please refer to newsletter

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WCH Facilities Newsletter – January 2018

West Coast Health Facilities Redevelopment Update

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WCH Facilities Newsletter – August 2017

West Coast Health Facilities Redevelopment Update

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WCH Facilities Newsletter – April 2017

West Coast Health Facilities Redevelopment Update

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Report to the community Autumn 2013

Report to the community Autumn 2013

Articles include:

  1. Coasters going green for the good of their health: Brian Kelly shares how he got moving
  2. Let’s talk about it: Chlamydia rates dropping thanks to the awareness campaign
  3. Delicious nutritious winter recipes: Community dietician Jennifer Brand makes you say “mmm”
  4. Helping patients get home after a stay in hospital: Who will provide your wheels?

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