Prevea, HSHS, Bellin opening back up

OCONTO FALLS — Hospitals in Oconto Falls and Oconto are among facilities that announced last week they are resuming some non-COVID-19-related services and procedures that were placed on hold beginning in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prevea Health, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals, and Bellin Health announced they are welcoming patients back to healthcare with the resumption of procedures and non-urgent appointments that were put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Affected facilities include the Prevea Oconto Falls Health Center and HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital, 853-855 S. Main St., Oconto Falls, as well as Bellin Oconto Hospital and Clinic, 820 Arbutus Ave., Oconto.

“We are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic, and with carefully-designed infection prevention protocols in place, we are able to resume many of our essential health care services and provide our patients the care they need in the safest way possible,” said Dr. Ashok Rai, president and CEO at Prevea Health.

“Early on, we chose to postpone all non-urgent appointments to prepare for a surge of COVID-19 patients,” said Bellin Health President and CEO Chris Woleske. “Now, with better information about the virus and the modest number of hospitalizations in our region, we are able to welcome back all of our patients for the services they need to improve and maintain their health and wellbeing.”

Both healthcare systems are taking extensive steps to ensure a safe return to care. Measures include enhanced cleaning protocols, physical distancing messaging, masking policies and segregating suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients and hospitals and clinics. When appropriate, patients may choose a virtual visit option instead of seeing their provider in person.

Patients who had procedures postponed are being contacted to reschedule.

“We want to assure all patients who come through our doors we have taken every step possible to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of our colleagues and medical providers as we resume non-COVID-19 related procedures,” said Andy Bagnall, president and CEO of HSHS Wisconsin. “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.”

National statistics show that a third of adults have put off care due to COVID-19 – and for seniors, the figure is closer to half. Bellin Health Emergency Department volumes are down by about 50%, mirroring nationwide trends. Delaying care can lead to complications, delayed diagnoses and even premature death.

“These are critical healthcare needs, and we as healthcare providers worry about the wide-ranging implications if they remain unaddressed,” said Dr. Cynthia Lasecki, a Bellin Health Family Medicine provider and the health system’s chief medical officer. “We’re here and we’re ready to care for all of our patients and families.”