Level 1

New Zealand incl. the West Coast region is now on Alert Level 1 until further notice. More information on our alert levels

COVID-19 Vaccinations

Total Covid-19 case numbers (combined confirmed and probable) by Territorial Authority in the West Coast DHB region. (Note: This table will only be updated if there is a change to case numbers.)

	Buller District	Grey District	Westland District	All West Coast DHB
Total cases (confirmed and probable)	0	4	1	5

 

Privacy statement: To protect the privacy of individuals we will not be providing any further information on individual cases.

Changes at West Coast DHB hospitals and health centres

Visiting West Coast DHB health facilities from mid-July 2021

Due to a rise in viral respiratory illnesses in the community, visitor restrictions have been put in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in environments where many people are especially vulnerable. Fewer visitors = less risk to patients. Thank you for continuing to help us keep people safe.

At this time, these restrictions apply to all DHB facilities.

Anyone with a booked GP appointment, planned surgery or outpatient appointment should still turn up as planned – if you are unwell then please phone ahead of time to discuss your appointment.

Please only visit our facilities for essential purposes only and stay home if you are unwell.

Mask guidance

Masks and face coverings are not compulsory – but you’re encouraged to wear one if you are visiting a DHB facility.

Physical distancing

It’s still a wise precaution to keep a safe distance from people you don’t know while you’re out and about. This will help to minimise the spread of viral illnesses.

Use the COVID-19 Tracer App

Although this change in visiting rules isn’t because of COVID-19, it’s still important to record where you have been and when, in case we have a new community outbreak.
At the entrance to all our buildings you will be able to scan a QR code if you have downloaded the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Tracer App. If you don’t have the app, make sure you keep a record of where you have been and who’ve you’ve seen.

Visiting hours

Te Nīkau Hospital & Health Centre – updated 13 July 2021

General Ward

• Visiting hours are 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm – these haven’t changed.
• Only one visitor at a time, and they must be a well-adult.
• No child visitors at this time please.
• All people attending an outpatient appointment can have one adult to support them if they need one.
• There can be more than one family member invited to attend a family meeting.

Critical Care Unit (CCU)

• Visiting hours are 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 8pm.

• Only one visitor at a time, and they must be a well-adult.
• No child visitors at this time please (see ‘exceptions’ further up the page).

Children’s Ward

• Parents and caregivers can be present in paediatric areas as normal.
• All other visitors are welcome between 8am – 9pm but only one visitor at a time, and they must be a well-adult.

• No child visitors at this time please (see ‘exceptions’ further up the page).

Maternity Ward

• Visiting hours are 10am – 12pm and 4pm to 8pm.
• Visitors that mums have nominated can visit at any time but only one visitor at a time, and they must be a well-adult.
• No child visitors at this time please (see ‘exceptions’ further up the page).

Buller Health Centre – updated 13 July 2021

Foote Ward

• Visiting hours are 10am – 2pm and 3.30pm to 8pm.
• Only one visitor at a time, and they must be a well-adult.

• No child visitors at this time please (see ‘exceptions’ further up the page).

Kawatiri Maternity

• Visiting hours are 10am – 12pm and 4pm to 8pm.
• Visitors that mums have nominated can visit at any time but only one visitor at a time, and they must be a well-adult.
• No child visitors at this time please (see ‘exceptions’ further up the page).

Flu vaccinations

• The flu vaccine is available for people most at-risk of developing a serious illness from influenza. This is to help protect the more vulnerable members of our community, given the additional current health risks from COVID-19.
• A free flu shot is available from your GP team if you have certain chronic conditions, or for your child aged 4 or under if they have a history of severe respiratory illness.
• A free flu shot is available from many pharmacies or your GP team if you are over 65 or pregnant.
• The flu vaccine does not protect you against COVID-19, however, it can help you prevent a serious illness from flu and help reduce demand on our health system.
• Ask your GP or pharmacy staff for more information.

Infection prevention and control

• Our Infection Prevention and Control team continues to advise staff across the system on ways to control the potential spread of infection, including enhanced cleaning protocols, isolation procedures and the correct use of personal protective equipment.

 

COVID-19 related media releases

Thursday 15 July 2021 – West Coast DHB invites remaining Group 3 Coasters to book their COVID-19 appointments

Wednesday 23 June 2021 – Mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics ready to visit rural Coast communities

Friday 28 May 2021 – Melbourne travellers asked to get tested and self-isolate

Wednesday 5 May 2021 – COVID-19 vaccination programme roll-out expanding across the Coast

Friday 9 April 2021 – COVID-19 vaccination programme roll-out to commence on the Coast next week

Monday 8 March 2021 – West Coat DHB health facilities return to Alert Level 1 restrictions

Tuesday 16 February 2021 – Changes to national Alert Levels a timely reminder to follow COVID-19 protocols

Thursday 12 November 2020 – Busy weekend of events offers a timely reminder to stay home if you are unwell

Thursday 13 August 2020 – West Coast DHB makes changes to visiting at its facilities following Alert level 2 announcement

Wednesday 29 July 2020 – CE Update – 29 July 2020

Thursday 11 June 2020 – Updated visitor guidance under COVID-19 Alert Level 1 for West Coast DHB facilities

Friday 05 June 2020 – If you have the NZ COVID Tracer App, you can now scan as you enter West Coast DHB facilities

Friday 05 June 2020 – Westport and Greymouth CBACs to close next week

Tuesday 02 June 2020 – Further changes made to West Coast CBACs

Friday 22 May 2020 – Buller residents can continue to access their health care teams during COVID-19 alert level two

Friday 22 May 2020 – West Coast DHB’s COVID-19 community-based assessment centres reduce hours of operation

Friday 15 May 2020 – Updated visitor guidance under COVID-19 Alert Level 2 for West Coast DHB facilities

Tuesday 12 May 2020 – Blessing marks an important milestone for Te Nīkau Grey Hospital and Health Centre

Tuesday 12 May 2020 – West Coast DHB to continue mobile COVID-19 sentinel testing across the Coast

Friday 01 May 2020 – West Coast DHB to start further mobile COVID-19 sentinel testing on the Coast

Thursday 30 April 2020 – Restrictions remain in place during alert level three to protect the West Coast community

Thursday 30 April 2020 – Updated visitor guidance under COVID-19 Alert Level 3 for West Coast DHB facilities

Monday 20 April 2020 – Needing a prescription for your regular medicines?

Monday 20 April 2020 – Home and Community Support Workers continue to provide care during COVID-19 Alert Level 4

Thursday 09 April 2020 – Fifth case of COVID-19 confirmed on the West Coast

Wednesday 08 April 2020 – Coasters can still access their general practice team for health care appointments

Monday 06 April 2020 – Online form now available for expressions of interest to work in the health system

Monday 06 April 2020 – Fourth case of COVID-19 confirmed on the West Coast

Friday 03 April 2020 – Drive-through clinic targets Māori and other prioritised patients

Sunday 29 March 2020 – COVID-19 Statement from West Coast DHB

Saturday 28 March 2020 – Two further cases of COVID-19 confirmed on the West Coast

Friday 27 March 2020 – All Coast GP Practices have changed the way they are operating

Friday 27 March 2020 – COVID-19 Alert Level Four – Updated hospital and clinic visitor policy

Thursday 26 March 2020 – First COVID-19 case confirmed on the West Coast

Wednesday 25 March 2020 – Temporary changes to limit visitor numbers at West Coast DHB facilities have been implemented

Monday 23 March 2020 – West Coast flu campaign underway

What can you do?

Protect yourself and others

As per Ministry of Health Guidelines:

• Stay at home if you feel unwell
• If you are unwell, then phone your GP or the Healthline
• Keep going with good hygiene practices. Sneeze or cough into your elbow, wash and clean hands with soap or antiseptic hand cleaner.
• Face coverings / masks are not compulsory but consider using these when unable to keep physical distance – for example in the supermarket.
• Keep safe distances from people when out and about
• Continue to use the tracking app or personal record of places you visit

About COVID-19

COVID-19 (formerly known as novel coronavirus) is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted from person to person through droplets. It has spread to every continent except Antarctica and over 170 countries and territories have laboratory-confirmed cases.

It appears that most cases identified to date have mild to moderate illness. In severe cases, though, the virus can cause pneumonia and severe acute respiratory infection.

How to access Healthcare

• If you need to see a Doctor or other medical professional you MUST phone first.
• Most consultations will happen over the phone (or by videoconference) to stop any risk of the disease spreading by person to person contact.
• If a face to face meeting is required, your doctor or other medical professional will organise this with you.
• If you cannot get through and are severely unwell, for example having trouble breathing, don’t hesitate to call emergency services (dial 111).

When should I seek medical advice?

If you are concerned about any COVID-19 symptoms you are experiencing, please contact Healthline (for free) on 0800 358 5453 or your doctor.

More information about accessing healthcare can be found on www.covid19.govt.nz

New Zealand citizens and residents returning home

Public health staff are working with border agencies to ensure New Zealand citizens and residents returning home are screened as they enter the country, and aware of the need to self-isolate and understand what that entails. Self-isolation means avoiding situations where you could infect other people. People who have to self-isolate are also asked to register with Healthline’s COVID-19 advice line by phoning 0800 358 5453.

Staff at airports and ports have information on hand that advises people what to look out for and what to do if they get symptoms.

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