Visiting hours and information

Visiting Te Whatu Ora hospital and healthcare services in Hawke’s Bay

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

On this page:

Information for all visitors

Emergency Department (ED)

Inpatient wards

Visiting patients with COVID-19

Visiting hours

Information for all visitors

Unwell? Please don't visit.
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.

Hand sanitiser is available and must be used.

All visitors (including children aged 12 and over) must wear a mask. 

• Masks are available at our entrances for people who do not have one. 
• Mask exemptions are not accepted for visitors.
• Mask exemptions are only accepted for people with a mask exemption card seeking treatment at our hospital or health facilities. Treatment includes coming into the Emergency Department, outpatient appointments, surgery or a procedure. Please show your mask exemption card and appointment letter to staff at the entrance.

Emergency Department (ED)

One parent or guardian, or person acting as a kaitiaki (partner in care) can support a patient while they are receiving care inside the Emergency Department (priority will be given to parents and guardians and those acting in a kaitiaki capacity).

ED waiting room

When the ED waiting room is busy, we may not be able to accommodate support people due to limited space. To protect patients, whānau and staff, at times a support person may need to wait elsewhere. Thank you for your understanding.

Exceptions for compassionate care and other special circumstances will be considered and must be approved by the clinical nurse co-ordinator.

Inpatient wards

Most inpatient wards may have more than one visitor and masks must be worn. 

Visitors must not eat or drink in multibed rooms because of the increased risk when multiple people remove their mask in the same space.

Ward visiting policy subject to change
At times, visiting restrictions may apply due to COVID. Any updates regarding ward visiting restrictions will be posted at entrances to our hospitals and wards. If you need to contact a ward, please phone the call centre (06 878-8109) and ask to speak with the Charge Nurse on the ward.

Visiting patients with COVID-19 - Hawke's Bay Hospital (Ward B2 and A1)

Wards B2 and A1 at Hawke’s Bay Hospital are dedicated COVID-19 wards with restricted access.

Please speak with the ward’s Charge Nurse if you wish to visit a COVID-19 patient.

If visiting is allowed, a surgical must be worn and infection, prevention and control measures strictly followed. If you don’t have a surgical mask, one will be provided for you.

Virtual visiting using hospital iPads can be organised if a visit is not possible.

Visiting hours