COVID-19 and the Right to Support in New Zealand Hospitals.

In New Zealand, a patient's right to support is recognised as a legal right in Right 8 of the Code of Health and Disability Consumers' Rights. Support-people, such as family members, friends even religious leaders, often play a vital part of the care team for patients. The presence of a support-person can bring relief and comfort to a patient. However, COVID-19, District Health Boards severely restricted visits to hospital patients, and one even excluded all support-people unless there were exceptional and compassionate circumstances. This article explores whether the limitations placed on support-people and visitors' access to hospitals were proportionate and legally justifiable.