Alert level 4 information

Updated: 14th September 2021

New Zealand is at Alert Level 4. For information on what this means for you, visit covid19.govt.nz()

If you need our care, we are still here and we’re doing everything we can to keep you safe.

Visitor restrictions

To help maintain physical distancing and limit contact we are restricting visitors at this time.

We’ll be screening patients and visitors on arrival at our entrances.  If you do have any symptoms of COVID-19, please don’t visit and get tested. 

It's really important that visitors keep well while in the hospital. 

You will not be allowed to visit if:

• You are self-isolating (due to close contact with a confirmed case or due to recent overseas travel).
• You have acute respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, sore throat) fever or abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

If you are the chosen visitor, you must:

• Scan in using the government’s COVID-19 Tracer App or sign in on arrival and provide your contact details.
• Complete the COVID-19 Visitor Screening Form electronically with the screener.
• Follow the information sheet which will be given to each visitor.
• Acknowledge that you understand and follow appropriate hand hygiene measures.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres from staff and other patients wherever possible.
• Restrict your visit to the ward or service area that the patient you are visiting is located in, or to on-site retail areas, for example cafés and the pharmacy.
• Wear a mask at all times.
• Follow dedicated walking areas to ensure physical distancing is maintained whilst onsite.
• Report any other concerns while entering or exiting the hospital to our information kiosk.

Antenatal

• No support person may attend except on compassionate grounds

Labour and Birth

• If you are pregnant, studies show you need to take extra care. Take a look at the Ministry of Health website() for more advice.
• If you are planning on giving birth at Auckland Hospital, you may like to join us for a live chat session on what to expect of labour and birth at Level 4()

You can choose one support person only for birth and care after birth.

• One support person may attend throughout labour and birth until transfer to the postnatal ward/leaving the operating theatre.

• No support people to stay overnight, unless on compassionate grounds and agreed with the Midwife in Charge. This will mostly only be possible in single rooms. 
• Postnatal care at Birthcare is still possible if you are well after birth.

A quick reminder - please remember to bring your baby's carseat in with you when you come in for your birth. This helps cut down the amount of movement you or your support person has to make around the hospital.

Postnatal wards

The single nominated support person must stay in the room (or bed space in shared rooms) allocated to the person they are visiting. Support people may only visit between 7am & 8pm.

Request for consideration for changes to the above on compassionate grounds should be talked about with the midwife in charge.

Assessment on Women’s Assessment Unit (WAU)

One support person can attend for assessment and during early induction in support of the woman. They must remain in the one room and follow staff advice.

Other advice

• We recommend bringing food with you as we encourage people to limit their movements around the hospital and wards. We also have less food outlets operating in Level 4.
• If you are staying, please stay in your rooms as much as possible. If you need to leave, make sure your hands are washed and you are wearing a face mask.
• We are encouraging patients and their whānau to use technology to stay connected.

Thank you for your support as we work to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help save lives.