Hospital visiting guidelines updated 20 July 2022: Hospital visitors must wear a surgical/medical paper mask. Fabric face coverings are no longer acceptable. See our COVID-19 pages for detailed information about hospital visiting guidelines, COVID-19 tests and care in the community advice. See www.vaccinatecanterburywestcoast.nz for information about vaccinations.
We are at ORANGE according to the NZ COVID-19 Protection Framework
Last updated:
9th April 2022
Kia whakahaumaru te whānau, me ngā iwi katoa – this is to keep everybody safe:
By sticking to the rules above, you help keep our patients, staff, other visitors and yourself safe. We 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.
Exceptions to the ‘one visitor’ policy
Visiting patients with COVID-19
You must NOT visit the hospital if you
Exceptions for people with disabilities
An exception will be made for people with disabilities who are in hospital or have to attend an outpatient appointment – where they need a support person to access health services. For example, a sign language interpreter, support person for someone with a learning disability, or someone to assist with mobility. The support person is in addition to the one permitted visitor.
Everyone visiting our facilities must wear a mask, no exceptions
While we appreciate that some people have legitimate reasons for being exempt from wearing a mask and may even have an official card to confirm this, people who cannot or will not wear a mask cannot visit someone in hospital or attend hospital, other than to access healthcare. This is another measure to minimise the risk to vulnerable patients.
Patients and visitors should also read the additional more detailed visiting guidelines for each specific hospital.
More COVID-19 information
Microbiology - Virology
NCOR
48 hours
For reports to valid for entry requirements to most countries it is critical that the following information is provided on the referral form. Failure to comply may result in the travelling individual being denied their flight and/or entry to their destination.
On the referral form please provide:
1. Collection date and time.
2. Flight details (date and time).
3. Ensure full name and DOB matches with the passport.
See link to Swab Guide under Additional Information section below
RT-PCR
Contact Canterbury Health Laboratories on +64 3 364 0484 or email LabInfo@cdhb.health.nz
Anyone requiring a pre-travel COVID-19 test should contact their General Practitioner (GP) or one of Christchurch's Urgent Care Centre's (24 Hour Surgery, Moorhouse Medical or Riccarton Clinic) to arrange testing.
The cost of a pre-travel COVID-19 test is at the discretion of whichever facility you choose.
Results are typically available within 48hrs.
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