MARSHFIELD – To help “flatten the curve,” Marshfield Clinic Health System is implementing temporary changes in the hours of operations at centers throughout Wisconsin.
According to a press release issued last week by Marshfield Clinic; “These changes will allow us to reallocate providers, staff and supplies in anticipation of a surge of patients who may have COVID-19 and most importantly, keep our patients and staff safe.
“The changes are listed below. All of our hospitals remain open 24/7. We encourage patients to call ahead and verify if their appointments are still scheduled and if the appointment has been moved to a different location. These hours may change as the situation evolves and will be updated at marshfieldclinic.org.
We realize this is a difficult decision, but we are doing this to be most prepared to treat our patients with COVID-19 symptoms. We need to be ready for the surge of cases. We need to keep our staff and patients safe, and minimize exposure. That means limiting face-to-face contact.
Our patients who are ill and need to see a physician will be seen. Our cancer care centers remain open. Call and we will find a way for the patient to get the care and treatment they need.
Telehealth is a key resource
We also are strongly encouraging patients to use our telehealth program. Marshfield Clinic Health System patients can contact Nurse Line at 1-844-342-6276 with questions. Non-Health System patients can use Care My Way®, available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Each session costs $40 and you can pay with any major credit card at the time of service. Visit marshfieldclinic.org/care-my-way for more information.
You may also call our COVID-19 Helpline, open 24/7, at 877-998-0880, to ask questions and get factual information about the virus.
New online COVID-19 screening tool
Concerned that you have COVID-19 symptoms? Visit marshfieldclinic.org to use our online screening tool for COVID-19 symptoms. Click on the pop-up chat box in the lower right corner of your computer or mobile device and type your message.
In an abundance of caution, the Health System has implemented a number of changes in recent weeks already to help fight coronavirus, including:
•Patient, visitor and employee screening when they enter a clinic or hospital.
•Implemented restrictions on visitors.
•Introduced drive-up and mail-order pharmacy.
•Postponed elective and non-emergency procedures and appointments.
•Closed our dental centers except for emergencies, and restricted drug and alcohol treatment centers to online visits only.
New hours of operation:
•Wausau Center – Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule (Urgent care expanding into vacated pediatric space, open 7 days week), effective 3/30.
•Weston Center – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday schedule (Urgent Care open 5 days/week), effective 3/30. Cancer Care Services remain Monday-Friday.
•Mosinee Center – Temporarily closed effective 3/30 (Remaining appointments will be rescheduled to the Weston Center).
Visitor Restrictions:
We continue to focus on efforts to protect patients, visitors and staff as concerns about the spread of COVID-19 continue. Effective March 24, we are prohibiting visitors from entering Marshfield Clinic Health System until further notice.
This step is being undertaken to keep patients, their loved ones, and our staff safe by limiting the potential to spread COVID-19 within our facilities. These temporary visitor restrictions apply to visitation for hospitals and for clinic appointments.
There are certain exceptions and situations where adult visitors may be allowed, including:
•Pediatric (including NICU) patients: 1 visitor
•You will be asked to designate one healthy adult who is able to provide support during a continuous 24-hour period.
•OB patients: 1 visitor/support person
•Patients where a caregiver is essential to their care (such as a patient with altered mental status, developmental delay or physical disability requiring assistance with medical care or activities of daily living)
•Patients who have power of attorney or court-appointed guardians
•Patients who have the potential for a sudden status change:
•Examples may include surgery or trauma.
•Visitors may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
•Patients who are at end of life
•These patients and families will be supported on a case-by-case basis with the goal of creating an emotional support network, while keeping patients and visitors safe.
Note: Exceptions are made by hospital leaders with a goal of providing safe care for patients, while balancing emotional and other support needs.
Visitor restriction guidelines:
•All visitors should be free of illness or symptoms, and at least 18 years old.
•Visitors should anticipate being screened for symptoms of illness.
•Visitors should not remove any supplies or equipment from Marshfield Clinic Health System.
•Visitors should limit the personal items they bring into the facility. This will reduce the number of unwanted germs that will go home with the visitor.
•Visitors should plan to stay in the patient’s room for the duration of the visit. They should not be in communal spaces, like lobbies, the cafeteria or wandering in hallways.
•Visitors must wash hands or use hand sanitizer every time they enter or exit a patient room or exam room.