Visiting hours cut at Waikato Hospital

Waikato Hospital's Transit Lounge. Photo / NZ Herald

Visiting hours at Waikato Hospital are being reduced because patients say visitors are too noisy.

A six week trial beginning next week means visitors will only be allowed between 11am and 1.30pm and from 4pm to 8pm.

Visitors had previously been allowed in most circumstances any time between 9am and 8pm but a survey of patients revealed they wanted more rest, Waikato District Health Board nursing and midwifery director Sue Hayward said.

"I've had letters from people who were patients saying visitors needed reminding there are sick people in hospital," she said.

"One woman said to me that she couldn't wait to get out of hospital to sleep and recover at home. Many of them are begging for a return to those days when visiting hours were stricter."

The hospital would be flexible in some cases but those would be the exception rather than the rule, Ms Hayward said.

"The new times still allows families and friends six and a half hours visiting time a day - the rest of the time our doctors, nurses, health care assistants and allied health professionals need to provide top quality care and allow patients the rest and quiet they've told us they desperately need," she said.

If the change is made permanent it would bring Waikato Hospital into line with the general practice at most hospitals around the country.

Waikato Hospital would also place more limits on the type of food which visitors could take into the wards, Ms Hayward said.

- NZPA