NEENAH, Wis. – ThedaCare is committed to its mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities served. Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Northeast and Central Wisconsin, ThedaCare continues heightened visitor restrictions to allow team members to care for communities, while minimizing the potential for exposure.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have monitored and proactively adjusted our plans to create the safest environment possible for everyone in our facilities,” said Dr. Michael Hooker, ThedaCare Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Acute Care. “We appreciate the understanding and support from our communities as we continue to fight COVID-19, protecting the health and safety of patients, visitors and team members.”
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.
- 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 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.
- Visitors who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or do not comply with masking guidelines, will be asked to leave.
Other details about specific 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 recommended that patients come to their appointments alone, if possible. 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). |
| The Heritage, Peabody Manor and Juliette Manor | In-person visitation is regulated by state and federal guidelines and has variables including county positivity rate, vaccination status and prevalence of positive cases within a facility. Compassionate care visits and end-of-life visits are accommodated as needed despite variables involved in routine visits. |
| 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. |
Masking and Screening Policies
Screeners will continue to be present at all ThedaCare hospitals in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Screeners will be checking all patients, visitors and team members upon entrance.
Masks will be required by all team members, patients and visitors in any public setting on a ThedaCare campus. This includes hallways, cafeterias, elevators, waiting rooms and all clinical areas. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided.
“Visitor restrictions and screening guidelines will be assessed on a regular basis as new information about COVID-19 becomes available,” said Dr. Hooker. “As cases are increasing in the area, it is critically important community members continue following recommendations including wearing a mask, staying home when ill, maintaining physical distance, washing hands frequently and getting vaccinated when you are eligible.”
For more information about COVID-19, vaccines, testing, visitor restrictions and other important news and updates, please visit thedacarecovid19.org/.
About ThedaCare
For more than 110 years, ThedaCare® has been committed to improving the health of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 600,000 residents in 17 counties and employs approximately 7,000 health care professionals. ThedaCare has 180 points of care, including seven hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their best lives through easy access to individualized care, supporting each person’s own health and wellbeing. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand unique needs, finding solutions together, and encouraging health awareness and action. ThedaCare is the first in Wisconsin to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network Member, giving specialists the ability to consult with Mayo Clinic experts on a patient’s care. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care.
For more information, visit thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on social media. Members of the media should call Cassandra Wallace, Public and Media Relations Consultant at 920.442.0328 or the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah switchboard at 920.729.3100 and ask for the marketing person on call.
