APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — ThedaCare is slightly relaxing visitor restrictions at its hospitals as coronavirus numbers are down from a fall surge and vaccinations continue to be administered.
ThedaCare owns hospitals in Appleton, Berlin, Neenah, New London, Shawano, Waupaca and Wild Rose.
Updated restrictions are:
- No visitors for COVID positive patients, except limited, approved, pre-arranged visitation for end of life. Those situations will pre-arranged through care teams.
- Non-COVID patients may have one visitor during normal visiting hours. Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room.
- Please do not visit if you are experiencing common COVID-19 symptoms, including: Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, headache, sore throat, etc. Call your primary care provider to direct you to appropriate care.
- One parent/guardian is allowed to accompany a minor, or a patient with a medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability or cognitive impairment).
- 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.
- Visitors who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or do not comply with masking guidelines, will be asked to leave.
Some locations have specific restrictions:
ThedaCare Hospitals, Clinics and Surgery Centers
- No visitors for COVID positive patients.
- Non-COVID patients may have one visitor 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
The Heritage, Peabody Manor and Juliette Manor
- In-person visitation is regulated by state and federal guidelines. When visits are permitted, they must be pre-arranged. Visitors will be screened, and visits will take place in a designated area that allows for social distancing.
- Compassionate care and end-of-life visits will continue to be offered as needed.
ThedaCare Emergency Departments
- Only one parent/guardian allowed to accompany minor, or a patient with medical need (intellectual and/or developmental disability or cognitive impairment).
- Visitors should speak with the patient’s clinical team if the patient requires additional assistance.
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.
“Visitor restrictions and screening guidelines will be assessed on a regular basis as new information about COVID-19 becomes available,” Jennifer Frank, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the ThedaCare Clinically Integrated Network, said in a news release. “While ThedaCare is confident in implementing the updated visitor policies, it is critically important community members continue following public health recommendations including wearing a mask, staying home when ill, maintaining physical distance, washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated when you are eligible.”
Screeners will no longer be taking temperatures or asking symptom-based questions at hospitals and clinics. Face masks are required at all times. Masks are available for those who do not have them.
The changes go into effect on Friday.
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