News

Covid-19

This information is effective from 12 January 2024 and was last updated 2pm on Friday 12 January 2024.


Whilst mask restrictions have been lifted in healthcare/hospital environments, we still strongly encourage patients, employees and specialists to wear masks in our hospitals as per the Government's official Covid-19 recommendations.


Patient / carer requirements

Recovery can be compromised if you are not in good health. While Southern Cross Healthcare no longer routinely tests all patients, we have implemented an individual risk assessment as your ongoing health is our top priority.

Under the following circumstances your specialist may review your general wellbeing and a RAT may be required if:

  • The patient, or carer, is presenting with any cold-like symptoms*
  • The patient is a household contact of someone with Covid-19*
  • The patient lives in a region with increased Covid-19 infections*
  • The patient has had Covid-19 in the last 2 months, although please be aware that:
    • Unless your Covid-19 infection was severe or you have ongoing symptoms, there should be minimal delay to your surgery (an additional RAT will only be required if this infection was within the last 29 days).
    • If you had a more severe infection, it is possible that non-urgent surgery may be delayed until 7 weeks after infection.
    • If your surgery is urgent, your specialist may still choose to proceed.

*If you are travelling any distance to come to hospital, it may be advisable to do a home RAT before you leave.

Recommendation from your specialist, or a positive RAT, may result in postponement of your planned procedure.

Requirements for visitors at Southern Cross Hospitals

  • If you feel unwell, or have any respiratory symptoms, please do not visit our hospitals.
  • The Ministry of Health advises that if you are Covid-19 positive, that you stay at home for five days. As such, please do not visit our hospitals during this time. For more information, please go to https://covid19.govt.nz/
  • When visiting our hospitals, please practise good hand hygiene using the available hand sanitiser.


The health, safety, and wellbeing of Southern Cross Healthcare patients, visitors, staff, and medical specialists are of utmost importance to us. If you have any questions please contact your hospital.