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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The West Coast culture

When you sign up with us to work at one of our thirteen locations, you’re committing not just to a professional way of life, but to a unique culture and approach built over generations of life in one of the most challenging – but breathtaking – environments on earth.

Wild coastlines, real seasons that bring blazing hot summers, moody and magical winters, crisp autumns and temperate springs define life on the West Coast of the South Island.
 The landscape is breathtaking, and the lifestyle like nothing you’ve ever known before.

Close knit, friendly communities make this an ideal place to raise a family.


The West Coast District Health Board’s child-friendly culture, and the proximity of our sites to schools and amenities remove many of the usual pressures facing young families in big cities today.  Even the little things add up – like free and hassle free parking, even in town centres.

At the other end of the spectrum, it’s a paradise for young, single thrill-seekers looking to make the most of life in a place where towering forests and icy glaciers are within easy reach.


The Coast’s national parks offer some of the most sought after walking, tramping and hiking on the planet.

Fishing, kayaking, caving, jet boating and horse-riding are just some of the other activities that Coasters enjoy in their down time.
 Eclectic cafes, restaurants and bars, quirky festivals and an arty and interesting community make this a great spot for those looking to escape the craziness of the city and try life at a different pace.

Visit our careers websites to find out more

Find out more about us and the great opportunities waiting for you by visiting our careers website www.westcoasthealthcareers.co.nz

and make sure you visit our profession specific sites too

Or contact our recruitment team

Visit this page to learn how to contact us

Page last updated: 13 September 2021

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