Hawke’s Bay Hospital asks patients to limit support people as winter illnesses pile on pressure
Hawke’s Bay Hospital in New Zealand is requesting that patients limit their support people to one person per visit. This measure aims to reduce overcrowding and infection risks as the facility faces a surge in winter illnesses like influenza and Covid-19.
Why it matters
The request highlights the ongoing strain on public healthcare systems during peak winter illness seasons and the necessity of infection control protocols.
Hawke’s Bay Hospital is asking patients to bring only one support person as influenza, Covid and other winter illnesses continue to put pressure on health services. Photo / Warren Buckland
Health New Zealand is asking patients to bring just one support person with them to Hawke’s Bay Hospital as influenza, Covid and other winter illnesses continue to put pressure on health services.
The request comes during a difficult winter for the region’s health system, with emergency department presentations recently reaching well above usual levels and illnesses also causing widespread absences at schools and among healthcare staff.
Health New Zealand group director of operations for Hawke’s Bay, David Warrington, said reducing the number of people in hospital waiting areas could help protect vulnerable patients and limit the spread of infection.
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