Health New Zealand to Implement 24/7 Family Visiting Hours in Hospitals

Health New Zealand Expands Family Visiting Hours to 24/7

Health New Zealand, the country's national health authority, is set to introduce a significant change in hospital operations by extending family visiting hours to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This move represents a shift towards a more patient-centered approach, aiming to enhance the well-being and recovery of individuals receiving hospital care across the nation.

The decision underscores a growing recognition of the vital role that family members and close support persons play in a patient's healing journey. By removing traditional time restrictions, Health NZ intends to foster an environment where patients can continuously benefit from the comfort, advocacy, and practical assistance provided by their loved ones, whenever it is most needed.

Why the Change to Round-the-Clock Access?

Historically, hospitals often imposed strict visiting hours, primarily for reasons related to infection control, ensuring patient rest, and managing staff workloads. However, modern healthcare philosophy increasingly advocates for greater family involvement, understanding that the presence of support persons can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Extending visiting hours allows family members to be present during critical moments, assist with communication between patients and medical staff, and offer crucial emotional support. This continuous presence can alleviate patient anxiety, reduce feelings of isolation, and contribute to a more positive hospital experience overall. It also empowers families to act as advocates for their loved ones, ensuring their needs and preferences are clearly communicated to healthcare providers.

Research and practical experience in other countries have shown that flexible visiting policies can lead to better patient safety, as family members are often the first to notice subtle changes in a patient's condition. Furthermore, it supports the concept of partnership in care, where families are viewed as integral members of the care team rather than mere visitors.

Implications for Patients and Hospitals

For patients, the change means they will no longer be limited to specific windows of time for family contact, providing comfort and reassurance at any hour. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those with long hospital stays, or during periods of acute illness where continuous support is invaluable. It also helps families manage their own schedules more effectively, reducing stress and logistical challenges.

For hospitals, implementing 24/7 visiting hours will require careful planning and adaptation. This includes ensuring adequate facilities for families, establishing clear guidelines for respectful conduct, and providing staff with training on how to integrate families more seamlessly into the care process. While challenges such as managing space, noise levels, and patient privacy will need to be addressed, the overarching goal remains to create a more supportive and healing environment for everyone.

What happens next

Health New Zealand will now focus on the practical implementation of this new policy across its hospitals. This phase will likely involve detailed planning at a local level, with individual hospitals developing specific protocols that align with the national directive while considering their unique environments and patient populations. Ongoing evaluation and feedback from patients, families, and staff will be crucial to ensure the policy is effective and any necessary adjustments can be made to optimize its benefits for the health system and the communities it serves.