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Microbreaks in Healthcare: An FAQ Guide to Reducing Staff Fatigue and Improving Patient Safety



Health News & Announcements
Microbreaks in Healthcare: An FAQ Guide to Reducing Staff Fatigue and Improving Patient Safety
The “Third Place” Comeback: 11 Practical Ways to Find (or Create) Community Spots in Waikato Without Spending Big
How Community Health Programmes Are Making an Impact

Health Updates You Should Know
Microbreaks in Healthcare: An FAQ Guide to Reducing Staff Fatigue and Improving Patient Safety
What are “microbreaks,” and why are they suddenly a big topic in healthcare?
Microbreaks are short, intentional pauses—typically 30 seconds to 3 minutes—built into work to reset the body and mind. Unlike a meal break, a microbreak is designed to be frequent and realistic in fast-paced clinical environments. They’re trending because health services worldwide are facing sustained workload pressure, and leaders are looking for practical ways to reduce fatigue, protect staff wellbeing, and support safer care without needing extra hours in the day.
In healthcare, fatigue is not just uncomfortable—it can affect communication, attention, decision-making, and physical stamina. Microbreaks have gained attention because they’re low-cost and can be implemented at the team level with minimal disruption, especially when paired with clear “when and how” guidelines.
How can microbreaks realistically fit into a busy ward, clinic, or theatre schedule?
The key is making microbreaks predictable and “permissioned.” People often skip breaks because they don’t want to burden colleagues or appear less committed. Successful microbreak programs make it normal to pause briefly—without guilt—and they anchor microbreaks to existing workflow moments.
Practical ways to embed microbreaks:
- Use natural transitions: after hand hygiene, between patient notes, after a phone call, after a medication round, or while waiting for a system to load.
- Pair with safety checks: add a 60-second reset before high-risk tasks (e.g., pre-procedure pause, medication preparation).
- Make it a team microbreak: two staff take 60 seconds together after a busy admission—one checks posture and breathing while the other sips water—then swap tasks.
- Schedule “microbreak windows”: for example, every hour on the hour during day shift, or at specific points during a clinic list.
Real-world example: A triage nurse may not get a full pause for hours, but can still do three 45-second microbreaks: one after a complex assessment, one after calling radiology, and one after completing documentation. That’s under 3 minutes total, yet it can lower perceived stress and physical tension.
Do microbreaks actually make a measurable difference, or is this just a wellness trend?
Microbreaks are not a cure-all, but they’re supported by a growing body of research across demanding professions, including healthcare. Studies commonly report improvements in perceived fatigue, discomfort (especially neck/shoulder/back), and sustained attention—particularly when microbreaks include movement rather than only rest.
A useful place to explore health research and evidence-based resources is the National Institutes of Health. For readers who like to dig into science and practical health guidance, the NIH provides a broad gateway to current research and public health information at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What this means in day-to-day practice: microbreaks won’t remove systemic pressures, but they can reduce the “wear and tear” of a shift. In a sector where small lapses can have big consequences, even modest improvements in focus and physical comfort can matter.
What’s the difference between a microbreak and just “checking your phone” for a minute?
A microbreak is intentional recovery. Scrolling can be stimulating rather than restorative—especially if it involves news, social media, or emotionally demanding messages. A good microbreak calms the nervous system, resets posture, and supports hydration or nutrition.
Microbreaks that tend to work best in clinical settings:
- Body-based: shoulder rolls, calf raises, neck mobility, gentle spine twist.
- Breath-based: 4 slow breaths in and out, or “box breathing” (inhale 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4) for 1 minute.
- Vision-based: 20-20-20 rule for screen fatigue—look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes (adapt as practical).
- Hydration-based: drink water and take 3 slow breaths while you do.
If you do check your phone, consider making it purposeful: set a 60-second timer, then do a quick posture reset before returning to work.
Which microbreak routines are best for nurses, midwives, doctors, and allied health staff?
Different roles create different fatigue patterns. Below are role-specific ideas that can be done in uniform, in a corridor, or in a staff room—no equipment required.
For nurses and midwives (on your feet, frequent manual tasks)
- 60 seconds: 10 calf raises + 10 shoulder rolls + sip of water.
- 90 seconds: gentle wrist/forearm stretch (useful after repeated documentation or equipment handling) + slow breathing.
- 2 minutes: “back reset”: hands on hips, gentle backward bend, then a forward fold with knees bent (if safe and comfortable).
For doctors and advanced trainees (cognitive load, interruptions, long decision chains)
- 30 seconds: stop, drop shoulders, exhale slowly, name the next single task.
- 60 seconds: 4 cycles of box breathing before a complex conversation or prescribing.
- 2 minutes: brief walk to a window or quiet corner, look at a distant object to reset visual focus, then return.
For allied health (repetitive movement, patient handling, high communication demand)
- 60 seconds: scapular squeezes (pull shoulder blades gently together) + neck side stretch.
- 90 seconds: hand and finger mobility drills after manual therapy or splinting work.
- 2 minutes: “voice break”: 60 seconds of quiet breathing + water to reduce vocal strain after repeated education sessions.
How can managers and team leaders encourage microbreaks without disrupting patient flow?
Culture matters. Microbreaks become sustainable when leaders treat them as part of safe work rather than an optional extra.
Actionable steps for leaders:
- Define acceptable moments: e.g., “After every second patient,” “After documentation,” or “After a high-acuity event.”
- Model it: if senior staff take microbreaks, others feel permitted.
- Use buddy coverage: one person watches the phones/alarms for 2 minutes while the other resets—then swap.
- Add a prompt: a short line on the team huddle board: “Microbreak goal: 3 per shift.”
- Measure what matters: staff-reported fatigue scores (quick weekly pulse checks), near-miss reporting trends, and musculoskeletal discomfort feedback.
Microbreaks are particularly valuable after emotionally intense events. A 90-second pause to breathe, hydrate, and reset can reduce the chance of carrying stress into the next patient interaction.
What are the common barriers, and how do we solve them?
Most barriers are practical and social—not personal motivation.
- “I don’t have time.” Try “microbreak stacking”: 20 seconds of breathing while logging in, 40 seconds of shoulder mobility while waiting for a call back, 30 seconds of hydration while walking.
- “It feels selfish.” Reframe it as a safety practice: microbreaks support attention, communication, and physical capability.
- “I’ll lose momentum.” Use a microbreak that ends with a clear restart cue: “Next task: meds for bed 5.”
- “There’s nowhere to go.” Microbreaks can be done in place: posture reset + slow breathing takes under a minute and requires no space.
- “My team doesn’t do it.” Start with a shared challenge: “Two microbreaks before 11am,” then celebrate completion in handover.
Can microbreaks help with musculoskeletal injuries and headaches?
They can help reduce strain that accumulates during long shifts, particularly in the neck, shoulders, lower back, wrists, and feet. Microbreak movement encourages circulation and changes sustained postures—both important for discomfort management.
Actionable tips to target common complaints:
- Neck/shoulders: 5 slow shoulder rolls backward, then a gentle ear-to-shoulder stretch (no forcing).
- Lower back: hands-on-hips gentle backward bend; if seated, stand and shift weight side-to-side.
- Wrists/hands: open-and-close fists 10 times; stretch forearm flexors by extending the arm with palm up and gently pulling fingers back.
- Headaches (screen + tension): look at a distant point, relax jaw, breathe slowly for 4 cycles, and drink water.
Persistent pain should be assessed—microbreaks support prevention and symptom management but aren’t a substitute for clinical evaluation or ergonomic changes.
How do I start tomorrow—what’s a simple microbreak plan for a 12-hour shift?
Keep it small and specific. Here’s a starter plan many clinicians find realistic:
- Start of shift (1 minute): set intention: “I will take 3 microbreaks.” Do 4 slow breaths.
- Mid-morning (1 minute): drink water + shoulder rolls.
- After a high-demand task (90 seconds): step aside, posture reset, 4 cycles of box breathing.
- Mid-afternoon (1 minute): calf raises + neck stretch.
- End of shift (30 seconds): unclench jaw, relax shoulders, note one priority for handover and one for tomorrow.
If you only manage one microbreak, that’s still a win. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Conclusion: What’s the takeaway for Waikato healthcare teams?
Microbreaks are a practical, evidence-informed way to reduce fatigue and discomfort in real-world healthcare settings—especially when they’re built into workflow and supported by team culture. They don’t replace adequate staffing, rest breaks, or systemic improvement, but they can meaningfully improve how staff feel and function across a shift. Start small, make it normal, and treat microbreaks as part of safe, sustainable care.
The “Third Place” Comeback: 11 Practical Ways to Find (or Create) Community Spots in Waikato Without Spending Big
If you’ve caught yourself saying, “There’s nowhere to go anymore,” you’re not imagining it. Between remote work, rising costs, and busy schedules, many of us have lost what sociologists call “third places” — the casual, low-pressure spaces that aren’t home (first place) or work (second place), but where community happens.
This isn’t just a vibes issue. Regular social connection is linked with better wellbeing, resilience during stress, and healthier habits. The good news? Third places aren’t gone — they’re evolving. Below is a roundup of ideas, resources, and “try this next week” tips to help you find (or build) a third place in your own corner of Waikato, without needing to join an expensive club or overhaul your life.
1) Start with a “third-place audit” (10 minutes, no pressure)
Before you add anything new, figure out what you already have. Grab a note on your phone and answer:
- Where do I already go once a week or more (supermarket, gym, park, library, kids’ sports)?
- Which of those spaces could become social if I stayed 10 minutes longer?
- What time of day do I have the most energy (morning, lunch, evening)?
- What’s my “easy mode” social style: talking while doing something, or just being around people quietly?
Actionable tip: Pick one existing stop (like the library or a park) and schedule a “linger time” of 10–15 minutes. You don’t have to talk to anyone — the habit is the win.
2) Libraries are the underrated third-place MVP
Modern libraries aren’t just shelves and whispering. Many now function like community hubs: quiet working areas, events, learning sessions, kids’ activities, and welcoming indoor space that doesn’t require buying anything.
How to use a library like a third place
- Make it your “default hang” for one predictable time slot (e.g., Saturday 10–11am).
- Borrow more than books: audiobooks, magazines, and sometimes practical resources.
- Attend a single event per month — it’s enough to start recognising familiar faces.
Real-world example: If you’re a parent, swapping one café catch-up for a library kids’ session can cut costs while still giving you a regular social rhythm with other caregivers.
3) Park routines beat park visits
A park is a place. A park routine is a third place. The difference is repetition and timing — you start seeing the same dog walkers, pram crews, runners, and lunch-break regulars.
Try a “same bench, same time” experiment
- Choose one park and one time slot you can repeat weekly.
- Bring something that signals you’re staying (a book, a coffee, a thermos).
- Use a simple opener if it feels natural: “Hey, I’ve seen you here a few times — how’s your week going?”
Data point (practical): Even a 20–30 minute walk most days adds up to 150 minutes a week — a commonly recommended baseline for physical activity — and parks make that easier to stick with because they’re pleasant and low-friction.
4) Community gardens: social connection with a built-in topic
Not everyone loves small talk. Community gardens help because conversation has a shared focus: what’s growing, what’s struggling, what to plant next. You also get a tangible result (herbs, greens, friendships).
Low-stress ways to join
- Start as a helper before committing to a plot.
- Ask what tools are available so you don’t need to buy gear upfront.
- Offer one skill you already have (watering schedule, weeding, compost turning, social media updates).
Want motivation? National Geographic has covered how community green spaces can support wellbeing and resilience in cities and towns; you can browse related reporting and science coverage at National Geographic’s environment and community features.
5) “Third places” for people who hate crowds: quiet clubs
If noisy venues drain you, choose third places with parallel activity — you can be around people without performing socially.
- Board game nights (beginner-friendly tables) — structured interaction, minimal awkwardness.
- Craft circles (knitting, crochet, mending) — talk when you want, focus when you don’t.
- Book clubs — conversation prompts come built-in.
- Photography walks — “look at that light” is a valid sentence.
Actionable tip: If joining feels hard, message the organiser beforehand with one line: “Hi — I’m new and a bit shy; is there a good time to arrive?” Good groups will make that easy for you.
6) The “regular route” trick: turn errands into community
Third places don’t have to be formal. Familiarity often comes from micro-interactions: nodding hello, chatting at the counter, recognising staff and other regulars.
How to do it without spending more
- Pick one local shop to become your “regular” (even if you buy the same essentials).
- Go at roughly the same time each week.
- Learn one person’s name (staff or another regular). Names create warmth fast.
Real-world example: If you already buy bread weekly, doing it at a local bakery instead of alternating supermarkets can create a stable “hello network” in a month or two.
7) Volunteer roles that don’t burn you out
Volunteering can become a third place when it’s sustainable. The key is choosing a role with predictable hours and clear boundaries.
Pick one of these “low-drama” formats
- Event-based volunteering (one Saturday every few months)
- Rostered micro-shifts (1–2 hours weekly or fortnightly)
- Skills-based tasks (writing, admin, tech help from home)
Actionable tip: Ask upfront: “How often do you need help?” and “What does a normal shift look like?” If the answers are vague, it may not be the right fit.
8) Water-based third places: low-cost, high reset
Waikato is full of river paths, lakeside spots, and places where “being near water” is a whole activity. Water locations often attract regulars — walkers, paddlers, fishers, and families — which naturally creates community.
- Try a consistent loop walk near a waterway.
- Bring a reusable cup and make it your “tea by the water” ritual.
- If you’re into it, look for beginner-friendly paddling or rowing introductions (many clubs offer have-a-go days).
Practical safety note: If you’re going solo, share your route and expected return time with someone, especially for early mornings or quieter tracks.
9) The “two-step invite” that actually works
Sometimes the third place is you. If you can’t find the right vibe, create a tiny, repeatable gathering that doesn’t rely on big hosting energy.
Use the two-step invite
- Step 1 (light): “I’m doing a walk at [place] on Sundays at 9. Want to join if you’re free?”
- Step 2 (repeat): “I’m going again next week — same time.”
This works because it removes the pressure of a one-off “big catch-up” and replaces it with a gentle, repeatable routine.
10) Make it easier to show up: the 3-2-1 setup
If you want consistency, reduce decision fatigue. Here’s a simple formula:
- 3 options for third places (e.g., library, park, volunteer shift)
- 2 time slots you can realistically protect (e.g., Tuesday evening, Saturday morning)
- 1 non-negotiable (e.g., “free or under $10,” “quiet,” or “accessible by bus”)
Actionable tip: Put your third-place time in your calendar like an appointment. Motivation is unreliable; reminders are better.
11) If you’re returning after a rough patch, try “soft starts”
Not everyone is coming into community-building with full batteries. If you’ve had illness, stress, grief, burnout, or you’re simply feeling flat, aim for gentle re-entry.
- Choose places where you can leave easily (short events, outdoor spaces).
- Set a “minimum dose”: 20 minutes counts.
- Give yourself permission to be a regular without being a chatterbox.
Real-world example: A weekly 20-minute library visit can be a stepping stone to joining an event later — you’ll already feel familiar with the space.
Conclusion: Community doesn’t need to be complicated
The third-place comeback isn’t about forcing yourself to be more social than you are. It’s about creating small, repeatable moments where connection can happen naturally — in libraries, parks, gardens, walking loops, volunteer rosters, and low-key clubs. Pick one idea from this roundup, try it for three weeks, and notice what changes: your mood, your routine, and that quiet sense of belonging that builds when you’re no longer doing life entirely alone.
If you’ve found a great third place in Waikato — or you’ve created one — consider inviting someone along. The easiest way to strengthen community is still the simplest: show up, and leave the door open for another person to join you.
How Community Health Programmes Are Making an Impact
The community health programmes offer focused wellness programmes directly to the neighbourhoods, schools and working places and change lives by preventing and educating. These grassroots initiatives address the chronic diseases, mental health, and access disparities in a better manner than hospitals do. Programmes have long-term change by enabling locals to become health champions in the capacity of making emergency visits go down by an estimated 30 percent in the participating regions. Their informative strategy is crucial in 2026 when healthcare expenses across the globe are increasing.
Preventive Care Reaches the Underserved
Mobile clinics and pop up health fairs take health screenings such as diabetes, blood pressure and cancer to remote communities. The participants are provided with immediate feedback and lifestyle coaching and the problems are identified in their initial stages when the cost of treatment is reduced by 80 percent. Habits are built with walking groups and cooking classes, which reduce obesity rates by 15 percent in 2 years. Such practical sessions create trust, leading to follow up care that is usually lacking in isolated clinics.
Mental Health Support Builds Resilience

Peer counselling circles and stress management workshops are used to deal with anxiety and depression where stigma is the obstacle to classical therapy. There is the use of trained community leaders that create safe spaces, educating on breathing methods and coping skills. Programmes document 40 percent mood enhancement in 12 weeks and the participants share skills throughout the family. School-based youth programs prevent bullying and self-harm, which have a trickle-down effect.
Nutrition and Fitness Initiatives Drive Habits
Community gardens provide fresh products to be used in cooking demos, reducing the use of processed foods. Competition on fitness through apps counts steps and cheers on, which increases the level of activity by a quarter. Reforms in school lunch introduce balanced meals, which enhance the focus and grades of kids. These initiatives connect health and social connections, and wellness is enjoyable and shared instead of being clinical.
Vaccination and Infectious Disease Control

Campaigns in the workplace and door to door campaigns have 90 percent uptake of flu, COVID boosters and childhood vaccines. The myths are disproved by education, which creates confidence in public health. Outbreak responses put in place rapid testing forces, which contain the spread in days. Herd immunity levels are achieved sooner than the national averages, which save lives and economies through long-term monitoring.
Technology Amplifies Reach and Results
Apps make users be linked to telehealth, appointment reminders, and progress dashboards. Wearables in programs check the vitals, providing warnings to coaches. Analytics identify areas of high needs, which optimise resources. The virtual support groups maintain the motivation between the real life meets and 70 percent of the groups maintain the motivation as compared to 40 percent when people do the same individually.
Measurable Outcomes Prove Success

Programmes monitor the measures such as a 22 percent reduction in hospital admissions, 18 percent increase in productivity, and two years of life expectancy. Cost-benefit analyses indicate that one saves 5 dollars on every 1 dollar spent by fewer treatments. Testimonials about participants emphasize the increase of confidence and the improvement of the health of the family. Governments expand winning models, mixing local wisdom and evidence.
Things are still difficult, such as funding and burnout among volunteers, but collaborations with businesses and schools keep the momentum. Paid coordinators who are locals will also provide continuity.
Small efforts through community health programmes are massive payoffs. They go to people at their homes and reshape health narratives as a reaction to prevention. Their legacy lives on and healthier communities are being established neighbourhood by neighbourhood.
Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Waikato 2023 Nurse of the year
Te Whatu Ora Waikato’s Nurse of the Year serves as a celebration of excellence acknowledging the extraordinary contribution of our nurses across many areas of healthcare.
The theme for 2023’s International Nurses Day was “Our Nurses, Our Future”, aligning with the commitment of Te Whatu Ora Waikato to cultivate our growing nursing workforce. There has been a strong growth in the number of new nurses graduating and working within the Waikato, and in our experienced nurses continuing their development and moving into roles such as Nurse Practitioners. This rise in the number of nursing professionals in the region suggests a promising outlook for the future of healthcare, as the nursing workforce plays a vital role in quality patient care and improving health outcomes.
The recipient of Waikato’s 2023 Nurse of the Year award was Nicola Griffiths, who serves as the Bowel Screening Nurse Lead. Krizia Ledesma-Libre, a Forensic Mental Health Nurse, was also presented with a Special Recognition award.
Nicola Griffiths, Waikato Nurse of the Year 2023
Nicola Griffiths, Bowel Screening Nurse Lead, played an instrumental role in developing an online tool that enables the entire Bowel Screening team to access information on all screening patients and their corresponding stage in the screening journey. Patients can now be accurately categorised and are visible to the team, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of care.
“Nicola incorporates Treaty of Waitangi principles into her practice, identifying barriers to patients receiving their Bowel Screening Colonoscopy, and works with stakeholders, including nurses, community staff, and administrative personnel, to improve the timeliness of patients’ procedures,” Sue Hayward, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer said.
“Thanks to Nicola’s efforts, patients receive a streamlined and high quality experience. The Bowel Screening team can easily access patient information and deadlines, allowing for timely processing and preventing any patients from being missed or lost in the system.”
Krizia Ledesma-Libre, Special Recognition Award 2023
Krizia Ledesma-Libre was recognised this year for her exceptional work in Forensic Mental Health nursing. Krizia’s knowledge and commitment has made a significant difference in ensuring that everyone has the necessary understanding and support to make a positive impact.
She has implemented staff trainings, supportive knowledge gathering and sharing initiatives that have improved team cohesion and benefited staff and tāngata whaiora.
“Krizia’s compassion, kindness, and respect for others has helped many tāngata whaiora who are going through the mental health system to regain a sense of hope. The job is not easy, but Krizia’s determination, thoughtfulness, and understanding make her a gem in this field of nursing and we commend her for her dedication,” Sue Hayward said.
Waikato Hospital managing response to VRE bug
Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand is managing elevated cases of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) identified at Waikato Hospital.
What is VRE?
Enteroccocus is a bug which lives in most people’s bowels and is usually harmless. Carrying the bug this way (usually called being colonised) does not mean a person is infected so there should be no symptoms.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus is the same bug, but a strain which has developed resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin. This does not mean that someone who has an infection caused by VRE cannot be treated, just that they will need different antibiotics to the one usually used.
If VRE gets passed to another part of the body it can cause an infection, with symptoms dependent on which area is infected.
How is it spread?
It can be spread through contact between people, by touching shared items or surfaces that have VRE on them.
What precautions are in place?
Transmission can occur in hospitals which is why we are isolating people who test positive for VRE. This is to protect patients who are already ill and may have increased risk of developing an infection.
When cases are confirmed we identify any potential close contacts who can be screened on visiting a hospital or healthcare provider. If needed they can be isolated.
Within our hospital spaces, any area or equipment used for people with VRE must undergo an extensive cleaning process using disinfectants which eliminate the bug.
For individuals the risk of VRE can be minimised by good hand hygiene and thorough cleaning procedures.
Waikato Hospital introduces its first ECMO machine, a significant milestone in advancing its critical care capabilities
A new Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine was gifted to the Waikato Hospital on Thursday 20 April by The Heart Trust.
The ECMO machine is similar to a cardiopulmonary bypass machine which “takes over” for a patient’s heart and lungs, adding oxygen to blood before pumping it back. It is used during some heart and lung surgeries or to assist recovery from heart or lung damage by allowing those organs to rest. The arrival of COVID-19 has increased the use of cardiopulmonary bypass machines outside of the operating theatre.
The new machine is simpler and easier to operate than the bypass machines currently in use. It is also smaller and more portable, enabling its use during patient transport to other hospitals to access specialised care, such as Auckland City Hospital’s Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, potentially saving lives in critical situations.
“ECMO technology has expanded treatment options for a group of people who are critically unwell,” says Michelle Sutherland, Interim Lead Hospital and Specialist Services.
“The simpler operation of this machine makes it more comfortable for use in intensive care settings with perfusion specialists’ help. We are grateful to have the ongoing support of the Heart Trust and thank them for their very generous donation.”
The Heart Trust is an incorporated charitable trust dedicated to improving the quality of life of heart patients in the Midland region. It has worked with Waikato Hospital for more than 50 years.
The trust successfully fundraised for the $120,000 ECMO device across a number of events, including a concert featuring Dr Madhav Menon, a cardiologist at Waikato Hospital, who sang accompanied by his talented daughters performing on the violin and cello.
Dr Clyde Wade, a former Waikato Hospital Cardiologist and current Heart Trust trustee, said “The Heart Trust was my secret weapon back in the day” as he had worked with the Trust and Waikato Hospital on numerous occasions to obtain equipment which helped deliver world-class cardiology care.
Wi-Fi Connects Waikato Rural Hospitals
An initiative to improve connectivity between patients, visitors and whānau came to fruition at the end of May with Wi-Fi connections established at rural Waikato hospitals.
Interim Operations Director – Community & Rural Health, Rachel Swain, said locally provisioned public Wi-Fi has now been fully established at each of the four Te Whatu Ora Waikato rural hospitals.
“This includes Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Thames and Tokoroa Hospitals and has been achieved by using an independent link at each site fed by a fibre connection to each hospital.”
“To have an ability to communicate with loved ones is very important to our patients and whānau. In situations such as the earlier COVID-19 related lockdowns being able to interact with loved ones unable to visit is a key part of our patients’ wellbeing.”
Having publicly accessible Wi-Fi can make trips to the hospital less stressful for visitors as well.
“People visiting the hospitals will be able to book Health Shuttles or look at public transport timetables while they visit which can assist when planning outpatient appointments or follow up treatment.”
“This is all about enhancing the patient experience and making our services more accessible to more people.”
COVID-19 still a risk to patients
COVID-19 is still active in the community and still making friends and whānau unwell.
Te Whatu Ora- Health New Zealand is asking you to play your part in keeping everyone safe.
Over the weekend we had an increase in the number of our patients in hospital testing positive for COVID-19 and it appears that in most cases they were exposed to the virus from people visiting.
If you are visiting loved ones in hospital, don’t forget to wear a mask and please don’t visit if you are feeling unwell or have flu, cold or COVID-19 symptoms.
Help us to protect our patients, visitors, and staff.
Now is a good time to get up-to-date with your vaccinations. Get your Flu and COVID-19 vaccination or booster at our pop-up vaccination clinics or GPs and pharmacies throughout the Waikato. To find a walk-in option today or book go to
