HSHS hospitals relax visitation rules

GREEN BAY — With COVID-19 showing signs of decline in many regions of Eastern Wisconsin, HSHS hospitals have updated their visitor policies to allow more patients to safely receive visitors.

“We understand how important it is for our patients and their loved ones to be able to connect, and we thank everyone for their understanding during what has been a very challenging time for all,” said Andrew Bagnall, president and CEO of HSHS Wisconsin. “As we move forward in allowing for more visitors, we continue to take every step possible to keep our patients and colleagues safe as COVID-19 still exists in our communities.”

The updated visitor policies, listed below, are now in effect at HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls.

• All adult patients may have one designated person (same individual per day) as part of their care team, and the person must stay in the patient room at all times.

• Emergency department patients may have one support person who is required to be in the patient room at all times; extenuating circumstances will be evaluated by the local unit.

• Patients nearing end-of-life will have special arrangements made on a case-by-case basis.
• All outpatient services patients may have one person with them during a test/procedure, and that person must remain in the designated area at all times; if patient is admitted, the rules of the unit will then apply.

• Patients having surgery may have one support person that must remain in the designated area at all times.

• Pediatric patients under the age of 18 may have one parent or guardian present (newborn patients may have both parents).

Obstetrical patients may have one support person and doula support.

All visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, including having their temperature checked immediately upon arrival to an HSHS hospital. In instances where a visit is not possible, HSHS hospitals encourage the use of phone calls, text or video chat.

HSHS also urges community members to never delay or forgo seeking medical care, especially in an emergency, even as the COVID-19 pandemic remains.

“All facilities in HSHS hospitals across Wisconsin – from our emergency rooms to our operating rooms – are safe and we are well-prepared to serve your health care needs,” Bagnall said.

HSHS hospitals and their physician partner, Prevea Health, resumed non-COVID-19 related procedures in early May that were halted as a result of the pandemic.