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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3 documents.

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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More informationDownload pdf (904 KB)

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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More informationDownload pdf (545 KB)

Travel assistance pack (for West Coast patients)

This brochure has some outdated information – Please read on

Note: Rates in this brochure haven’t yet been updated, but you can check the correct rates on the National website linked to just below.

This pack is designed to make that process a little bit smoother and provide you with some useful information.

Please note: In April 2024 there have been changes to the NTA scheme, including changes in mileage rates and various other rates. The info about this is currently getting updated on the document linked to here. For further details while our document is getting updated please navigate to NTA updated info on the Health NZ website.

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Page last updated: 13 March 2025

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