During the most recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the region, ThedaCare implemented heightened visitor restrictions across the health system to continue caring for our communities, while minimizing the potential for exposure to the virus.
Due to a decline of COVID-19 cases in our communities, ThedaCare is now in a position to allow additional visitor options throughout the system. Non-COVID patients will now be permitted to have two essential visitors at a time during normal visiting hours.
Current age restrictions remain in place, and 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.
“We are grateful to be a in a place where we can safely allow for additional visitors in our care spaces,” said Dr. Michael Hooker, ThedaCare Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Acute Care. “We want to thank the community for their understanding and flexibility as we have adjusted our visitor guidelines throughout the pandemic to ensure the safest environment possible for everyone in our facilities.”
Visitor restrictions and screening guidelines will continue to be assessed on a regular basis.
Additional 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 two visitors at a time during normal visiting hours. Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room. If there are more than two visitors present, additional visitors will be asked to leave.
- Two parents/guardians are 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 two visitors 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 12 is restricted from visiting, except under extreme circumstances. Additional restrictions may be imposed based on the clinical status of the patient or provider judgment. |
| ThedaCare Clinics | Two parents/guardians are 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 Two parents/guardians are allowed to accompany a minor, or a patient with a 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 Two visitors are allowed to accompany a patient. Visitors must remain masked at all times, and stay in the patient’s room. |
| Regional Cancer Center | Patients may bring two visitors 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 12 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 thedacare.org/covid19.
About ThedaCare
For more than 110 years, ThedaCare® has been committed to improving the health and well-being 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 unique best lives. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand 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.
