Visiting is temporarily suspended to the Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation Ward at Southland Hospital effective immediately due to Covic-19 and influenza exposure events.

"All necessary steps are being taken to ensure the exposure events are contained," a statement from Te Whatu Ora – Southern (Health New Zealand) reads.

"This includes closely monitoring patients for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza, and ensuring our staff are well when they come to work.

 "Our priority is patient safety. We apologise for the inconvenience to patients in the AT&R Ward and and their families. We know this is distressing for them, and we thank everyone for supporting our health care team to keep our community safe."  

Visiting during this time is available on compassionate grounds. Please contact Southland Hospital (03 218 1949) for further details. 

Te Whatu Ora – Southern (Health New Zealand, which replaced the Southern District Health Board) will provide an update when visitor restrictions ease.