Wheelchairs
- Wheelchairs are located at the main and maternity entrance. If you need a wheelchair and none are available, please ask a volunteer or receptionist.
- Outside of office hours, please use the telephone adjacent to reception to phone the operator on “0” and an orderly will be arranged to assist you.
Volunteers
Meet and greet volunteers are available at the main hospital and maternity entrances.
Hours: Monday to Fridays 9am to 11:30am and 1pm to 3pm.
Lifts
Ask at the front entrance reception desk if you need help with using the lifts.
Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets are available 24/7 and others are open during business hours only. Accessible toilets are also located within The Acute Services Block wards for patients and ward visitors.
Locations of accessible toilets
Acute services block
The medical, surgical, orthopaedic and rehabilitation wards have been built to improve the experience and independence of people with disabilities.
- All wards have some larger single rooms with ensuites and space for your mobility equipment.
- Four bedrooms have an ensuite plus a separate toilet.
- Ensuites are accessible with level access showers and handrails.
- Status boards in patients’ rooms to identify patient’s needs.
- Some rooms are equipped with ceiling hoists.
- Handrails are in the corridors.
Spacious whānau rooms are in each ward with tea/coffee making facilities.
Friends of the emergency department
If you are in the Emergency Department volunteers can help you with non-medical needs from 10am to 10pm.
Dining
Wheelchair accessible dining facilities are available in the cafes. If you need help please ask at the counter.
Companion dogs
Trained companion dogs are welcome in the hospital.
NZSL interpreters
Please let us know in advance if you require this service. Local sign language communicators can be arranged.
If a qualified Sign language interpreter is needed we can offer:
- Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). This service accesses a qualified sign language interpreter via Skype. Please let us know if you require this service and we can make a booking for you.
- the services of a face-to-face sign language interpreter if this is required.
We can add your preferred choice of interpreter to your medical record so that staff are aware of your needs.
Hearing device
You can request the Amigo hearing device for your appointment. The Amigo consists of a small microphone worn by a health professional and a set of discreet headphones worn by you.
Call the service before your appointment to book this equipment.