Ascension readies for return of some nonessential services
By Patrick Lynn
Ascension Wisconsin on Friday announced its plans for reintroducing services previously shut down by Gov. Tony Evers Safer at Home order.
The phased “clinically-led process” will re-establish certain non-urgent and medically necessary procedures, as well as primary and specialty care clinic appointments at its sites across Wisconsin. the services were suspended or postponed in mid-March when COVID-19-related closures began to take effect across the state.
Beginning Monday, May 11, services like elective surgeries, medically necessary procedures, and other in-person services will be reintroduced gradually.
“It’s important we take careful [sic] and measured steps to ensure a safe and gradual return to providing full access to healthcare services, while also continuing to serve and support individuals and communities impacted by COVID-19,” said Gregory Brusko, DO, Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Wisconsin.
During the transition, patients can expect expanded access to healthcare services with enhanced safeguards, Brusko added.
Ascension Wisconsin facilities will maintain temporary visitor restrictions and screening protocols for individuals entering hospitals. Every patient scheduled for elective or non-emergency surgery to undergo appropriate screening and testing for COVID-19 prior to their planned surgery date. Following their screening and testing, patients will be asked to self-quarantine until their surgery.
Additional enhanced safeguards for in-person visits include:
Screening: All Ascension associates are screened for COVID-19 symptoms before they come to work, using screening tools designed to ensure they are healthy and symptom-free before entering or interacting with patients at Ascension care facilities.
Cleaning and disinfecting: Environmental services teams will continue to perform rigorous disinfecting measures at all Ascension facilities.
Visitor Restrictions: Temporary visitor restrictions were put in place to protect patients and staff. As Ascension facilities begin to reopen for surgeries, procedures, and appointments, we will begin the process of revisiting and relaxing some of these restrictions as soon as we reasonably can do so to still maximize the safety of patients and at the same time provide our patients with the optimal social and spiritual support for healing. Each local facility will have its own specific visitor guidelines. The public is asked to please contact their local facility for updates.
Appointment scheduling: Ascension Wisconsin is offering staggered appointment times to reduce the number of patients with overlapping wait times.
Waiting room distancing: In accordance with CDC recommendations, all patients will be asked to wear a cloth face covering when coming to Ascension Wisconsin facilities. In addition to practicing social distancing within Ascension Wisconsin hospitals, clinics, and offices, patients and visitors will notice that waiting areas have fewer people and special instructions are posted for avoiding exposure.
Urgent care needs: Unless it’s an emergency, patients are asked to call ahead and not to arrive unannounced at Ascension care facilities. By calling ahead, individuals can learn about and follow the safety procedures for each facility and schedule a safe time to visit.
Offsite screening locations: Patients with non-emergency symptoms of respiratory illness are asked to call ahead before visiting Ascension care facilities. Ascension has set up separate specialty care sites designed specifically for patients with such symptoms to decrease the risk of infection at Ascension sites of care.
Ascension also plans a multi-faceted public awareness initiative as part of its plan to reintroduce services. This includes marketing, advertising, social media, and patient communications.
Individuals in need of care may call their Ascension Wisconsin provider or the Ascension Wisconsin COVID-19 hotline toll-free at (833) 981-0711. The hotline can be accessed 24/7. Direct access to COVID-19 online information from Ascension can be found here at healthcare.ascension.org/COVID-19.
