Enhancing Access to Specialized Care, Encouraging Continued Social Distancing
For weeks, ThedaCare has been on a calm and focused state of planning for the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).
“These are unprecedented times,” said Dr. Imran Andrabi, ThedaCare President and CEO. “It’s more important than ever that ThedaCare be here and prepared to serve and support the health of our communities.”
To enhance access to information and care for people experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, ThedaCare today announces a new community information hotline and respiratory care clinics.
COVID-19 Community Hotline
ThedaCare understands people need reliable information when it comes to COVID-19. Because of this, ThedaCare has launched a new COVID-19 hotline. Community members can call 920.830.6877 to speak with resource representatives and nurses who will share care options, testing and symptom information, as well as mental health resources.
Respiratory Care Clinics
Five ThedaCare respiratory care clinics are now open dedicated to patients experiencing COVID-19-type symptoms. The respiratory care clinics are available by appointment only. Those who are experiencing symptoms should call their primary care provider or the community hotline first. All other ThedaCare clinics that remain open will be used to care for patients who need provider office visits at this time but are not experiencing respiratory symptoms.
Social Distancing to Save Lives
The next few weeks are critical to minimize the spread of infection. ThedaCare is asking for all people to continue practicing social distancing and staying safer at home. These precautions will help stop the spread of the virus, while also helping hospital systems have enough life-saving equipment for those patients who need it.
“We must do this as families, as friends and as our community,” said Dr. Jennifer Frank, ThedaCare Chief Medical Officer. “We, as caregivers, need your help. We’re asking you to stay home if possible. If you must go out for essentials such as groceries or to work, please keep social distancing guidelines in mind.”
The respiratory care clinics and hotline are the latest steps ThedaCare has taken to prepare for the impact of COVID-19. Other recent actions include:
- Suspended all elective, non-urgent procedures to make room for patients with this respiratory illness, to conserve supplies and labor.
- Erected tents and trailers outside Emergency Departments to triage patients before they enter so they are directed to the right care areas quickly.
- Set up telehealth programs including eVisits, Video Visits, Telestroke and TeleICU to serve patients while reducing contact where appropriate.
- Launched an online symptom checker where people can check their symptoms and be directed appropriately to care.
- Developed community education and partnerships to coordinate care across health systems and public health.
ThedaCare would also like to thank caregivers who come to work every day, answering the call during this critical time.
“I am so proud of each and every member of the ThedaCare team who are and will be stepping up to care for our community,” said Dr. Andrabi. “They are the reason we are here serving our communities, which we have been doing for more than 110 years.”
