Flowers for a patient at Wairau Hospital
Wairau Hospital, at 30 Hospital Road in Blenheim, is the public hospital in Blenheim. Today's Health NZ page does not mention flowers, so we have looked back at the visiting policy the former Nelson Marlborough DHB applied across its hospitals, including this one.
Order by 2 pm on weekdays (11 am Saturdays) for same-day delivery in many areas
- Ward rules quoted from the hospital
- Name and ward on the card
- Local florists deliver the flowers
Flowers are fine on general wards, but patients who are immunocompromised or in isolation, and patients in ICU/HDU/IMCU/SCBU (special care baby unit), should not receive flowers. Source: former Nelson Marlborough DHB district-wide visiting policy, archived Dec 2023; the current Health NZ page says nothing about flowers.
“Gifts, Flowers and Personal items Personal items such as books, pens, and toiletries can be brought in but must not be shared with other patients, whānau or staff. Patients who are immunocompromised, in isolation or in our ICU/HDU/IMCU/SCBU areas should not receive flowers.”
The Nelson Marlborough flower rule
In the policy as archived in December 2023, the DHB has stated that "Patients who are immunocompromised, in isolation or in our ICU/HDU/IMCU/SCBU areas should not receive flowers." General ward patients were not restricted.
That wording is no longer on a live Health NZ page, so treat it as a strong hint rather than a current rule, and check with the ward before sending. Phone the hospital on 03 520 9999.
When to hold the flowers back
- The person is in intensive care, high dependency or intermediate care.
- A newborn is in the special care baby unit (SCBU).
- The patient is in isolation or has a weakened immune system.
In those cases, a card, or flowers sent home for when they are discharged, are the kinder choice.
Visiting hours at Wairau
Visiting hours are 2:30pm to 8pm, 7 days a week. Personal items such as books, pens and toiletries can be brought in, as long as they are not shared with other patients, whānau or staff.
If the ward says flowers are fine, give the florist the patient's full name and ward. A compact arrangement in its own container is easier for nurses to place than a loose bouquet, and lightly scented flowers are kinder in a shared room. If you are not sure which ward the person is on, the switchboard can usually point you in the right direction.
Marlborough deliveries
For home deliveries see flower delivery in Blenheim or Picton. Rural addresses with an RD number can take longer to reach. Nelson Hospital uses the same district policy.
Getting there and parking
Wairau Hospital is at 30 Hospital Road, Blenheim 7201, with the emergency entrance reached from Hospital Road. Health NZ says there are public car parks throughout the campus, with mobility spaces near the main entrances. Bus Route 2 (Redwoodtown-Witherlea, South Route) stops near the entrance, four times a day Monday to Friday.
What is on the campus
- A 24-hour emergency department and medical, surgical, maternity and mental health services across several wards.
- A secondary birthing unit able to manage complex medical or pregnancy complications. The old district policy kept flowers away from the special care baby unit, so ask before sending to a new parent.
- Flavours Café, with hot meals, snacks and drinks, open 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm at weekends.
- Hospital chaplains, reachable on 03 520 6479.
Interpreters are available if necessary.
Address for the order
- 30 Hospital Road, Blenheim, 7201
- Blenheim
- Phone 03 520 9999
Write the patient’s full name and ward on the card and the order. Rules checked 6 November 2026; hospitals change their rules, so call the ward if you are unsure.
Get-well flowers that suit a ward
Compact arrangements are easier for nurses and small bedside tables.
Order by 2 pm on weekdays (11 am Saturdays) for same-day delivery in many areas
