With the opening of the Cook Islands air border on Thursday last week, Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health has revised public access to Hospital Health Services “in a manner that is safe for you, for other members of our community and for health care workers”.

TMO says Hospital Health Services will be available 24 hours, 7 days a week for emergency call outs through 999 or via referral from Primary Care Health Clinics.

If you are concerned about your health, after hours, call 22664 to talk to a doctor. He/she will advise the appropriate “next steps.”

For specialist clinics e.g., surgical, medical, obstetrics/gynaecology and paediatric services are by appointment only.

Radiology (X-ray) and laboratory services will also need a referral from your attending doctor and by appointment if non urgent.

On arrival to the Hospital for appointments or emergency department, people are advised to:

o          Tag in or sign in at the main entrance

o          Use the hand wash station

o          Surgical masks will be provided, please wear them 

o          If you have cough and cold symptoms you will need to put the mask on before you can be screened

o          Please observe physical distancing at the waiting area.

The visiting hours and protocols are: Monday to Saturday 2pm to 3pm, Sundays 2pm to 5pm.

People visiting patients must be at least 12 years and older and must either be fully vaccinated or must take a Rapid Antigen Test prior to arriving at the Hospital. “This is for the safety of the patients who are already vulnerable due to their high-risk situation,” Te Marae Ora said.

There can only be one visitor per patient at any one time. Children under 12 years of age are not to visit the Emergency Department or any of the wards unless they are there to see a doctor or are being admitted as a patient.

“Hospital Health Services seeks the cooperation of the public and asks respectfully that we all follow the above instructions. Doing so will help to keep all of us safe.”