Health NZ Extends Family Hospital Access to 24/7, Sparking Debate

Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) is introducing a new policy that will allow family members to stay with patients in hospitals around the clock, a move it says is aimed at recognising the importance of whānau support in patient recovery. Reported by RNZ

Chief executive Dr Dale Bramley described the initiative as part of a new national Patient and Whānau/Family Support Policy, designed to embed compassion at the centre of hospital culture.

“Whānau will be supported to be with patients 24/7 where appropriate, working alongside our nursing and maternity teams to make this possible, while also respecting the privacy and recovery of others,” Bramley said in a message to staff.

He added that patients and families consistently report that having loved ones by their side is one of the most meaningful aspects of the healing process. Standard visiting hours will also be aligned nationally under the policy.

However, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) has raised concerns about the timing of the change. NZNO delegate Al Dietschin acknowledged that full family access was culturally significant and beneficial, but suggested the push was also linked to staffing shortages.

Dietschin explained that hospitals frequently rely on “patient watches” — monitoring vulnerable patients such as those with dementia or delirium to keep them safe. These tasks are usually performed by Health Care Assistants (HCAs), but ongoing shortages mean families are sometimes asked to step in.

“Because there is a chronic shortage of HCAs, family members may be expected to take on that role,” Dietschin said, citing a recent case at Christchurch Hospital where whānau were asked to help out.

He warned that while families can provide valuable support, certain aspects of care require specialist training, especially when patients are agitated or need help with mobility equipment. “It does open a bit of a can of worms,” he said.

In response, Health NZ rejected the suggestion that staffing pressures were behind the change. National chief nurse Nadine Gray said the policy was patient-centred and driven by whānau voices, aimed at ensuring consistency across hospitals and creating a cultural shift that formally values family involvement.

“We know from patients that family members play an important role in supporting them in hospital, and have a positive impact on their wellbeing and recovery,” Gray said.

The policy has already been adopted at Whanganui Hospital and is being prepared for rollout in southern district hospitals, with plans for a gradual nationwide introduction.