Over the last several weeks, local communities saw a sharp rise in the number of people who needed inpatient hospital care, followed by a decline in the number of patients admitted, due to the omicron COVID surge. During that surge, ThedaCare implemented heightened visitor restrictions and safety precautions to allow team members to care for communities, while minimizing the potential for exposure.
At this time, ThedaCare can safely manage our communities’ COVID-19 cases and is in a position to allow additional visitor options throughout the system.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding as we continue to adjust our visitor guidelines to ensure the safest environment possible for everyone in our facilities,” said Dr. Michael Hooker, ThedaCare Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Acute Care. “As a person is experiencing a medical situation, our caregivers understand the importance of having a loved one nearby. We are grateful to be a in a place where we can once again safely allow for additional visitors in our care spaces.”
Screeners will continue to be present at all ThedaCare hospitals, checking patients, visitors and team members upon entrance. Masks will be required by all team members, patients and visitors in any public setting on ThedaCare campuses. This includes hallways, cafeterias, elevators, waiting rooms and all clinical areas. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided.
Specific restrictions remain in place at hospitals in Appleton, Berlin, Neenah, New London, Shawano, Waupaca and Wild Rose.
Restrictions include:
•No visitors for COVID-positive patients, except limited, approved, pre-arranged visitation for end of life. Those situations will be pre-arranged through care teams.
•For Family Birth Care, visitors will be strictly limited to one essential person throughout the entire stay. No children are allowed.
•Non-COVID patients may have one visitor at a time during normal visiting hours. Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room. If there is more than one visitor present, additional visitors will be asked to leave.
•One parent/guardian is allowed to accompany a minor, or a patient with a medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility).
•Adult patients who need care may enter with their children if childcare cannot be arranged. Children over the age of two must be masked at all times.
•Please do not visit, or accompany patients, if you are experiencing common COVID-19 symptoms, including: Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, etc. Call your primary care provider to direct you to appropriate care.
•Visitors who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or do not comply with masking guidelines, will be asked to leave.
Other details about additional ThedaCare locations:
ThedaCare Hospitals and Surgery Centers
•No visitors for COVID-positive patients.
•Non-COVID patients may have one visitor at a time during normal visiting hours. Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room.
•Anyone under the age of 16 is restricted from visiting, except under extreme circumstances.
•For Family Birth Care, visitors will be strictly limited to one essential person throughout the entire stay. No children are allowed.
•Additional restrictions may be imposed based on the clinical status of the patient or provider judgment.
ThedaCare Clinics
•To limit visitors in waiting areas and clinical spaces, it is requested that patients come to their appointments with no more than one guest.
•One parent/guardian is allowed to accompany a minor, or a patient with a medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility).
•Adult patients who need care may enter with their children if childcare cannot be arranged. Children over the age of two must be masked at all times.
•Patients and guests must wear a mask throughout their visit.
The Heritage, Peabody Manor and Juliette Manor
•Visitors are permitted.
•For the protection of residents, limited visitors are recommended.
•Visitors will be screened and masks are required.
•All visits must occur in resident rooms or designated area.
•Please do not visit if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
ThedaCare Emergency Departments COVID-19 or Respiratory Symptoms
•Only one parent/guardian allowed to accompany minor, or a patient with medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability, cognitive impairment or limited mobility).
•Visitors should speak with the patient’s clinical team if the patient requires additional assistance.
Other ED Patients
•One visitor allowed to accompany patient. Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room.
Regional Cancer Center
•Patients may bring one visitor with them to their appointments and/or treatment at any of our Cancer Care locations.
•Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room for duration of the visit.
•Anyone under the age of 16 is restricted from visiting, except under extreme circumstances.
For more information about COVID-19, vaccines, testing, visitor restrictions and other important news and updates, please visit thedacarecovid19.org/.
