HSHS St. Clare lists current visitor policy

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls and its sister hospitals have changed their visitor policies in response to a recent upsurge in COVID-19 positive tests.

The updated visitor policies are as follows:

• Visitors under age 12 are not permitted.

• Patients may have up to two visitors per day. The visitors must be the same two people each day; visitors may not rotate in and out with other individuals.

• Patients nearing end-of-life will have special arrangements made on a case-by-case basis.

• Patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 may not have visitors; the only exception to this is a pediatric patient and other special circumstances that will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

In addition, all visitors must continue to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure upon entering the facility. Visitors who have any of the following symptoms or are not feeling well will NOT be allowed to visit: fever (greater than 100 F) or chills, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, loss of sense of taste or smell, or exposure in the past 14 days to a person confirmed to have COVID-19.

If the visitor had COVID-19, he/she may not come to the hospital until 14 days after onset of symptoms or positive COVID-19 test AND at least 24 hours fever-free with improvement in symptoms.

All visitors approved for entry into the hospital(s) must adhere to following guidelines:

• Wear a facemask that covers the nose and mouth at all times; a face shield is not acceptable in place of a mask.

• Use hand sanitizer to clean hands upon entering the hospital, entering a patient room and prior to exiting a patient room.

• Remain in the patient room or in space designated by hospital colleague.

In an effort to minimize interruptions to bedside caregivers, the hospital asks each patient to designate one individual who can serve as the spokesperson to their friends/family. This individual will be able to call the nurse and receive detailed updates on the patient’s status.

HSHS encourages loved ones to call their patient’s room for a telephone visit, or use cellphones to text, call or video chat with them. They can call St. Clare’s main number, 920-846-3444, and an operator can connect them to patients’ rooms.