Only one entrance and exit will be in operation at Southland District hospital from 8 February. 

All patients and visitors entering the hospital will also be screened for COVID-19. 

The Southern District Health Board say this may add to some extra time when entering the hospital but appreciate the patience and consideration of the public around these changes. 

“These changes will continue to help keep our community safe and limit contact with other patients as much as possible,” says James Goodwin, SDHB Service Improvement Manager.  

“If you are unwell, we encourage you to stay home and call Healthline or your GP in the first instance.”  

These changes impact hospitals around the Southern DHB catchment, with all other entrances, excluding the main doors, closed for Dunedin Public Hospital, Wakari Hospital and Southland Hospital.  

Everyone who enters the hospitals will be screened, expected to check in using QR codes (or paper sign in), sanitise their hands and wear a surgical mask (available at each entrance).  

Southern DHB say the public should be prepared to produce an outpatient letter or text when asked.