Planning Your Visit to Fox Valley Hospital

Planning Your Visit to Fox Valley

The Children's Wisconsin Fox Valley Hospital is the only hospital in the Northeast dedicated exclusively to the care of kids.

Before Your Visit

  • Before your visit, check with your insurance provider to understand what services are covered and whether Children’s Wisconsin is in-network.

Parking

Feel free to park in any lot marked “VP” for Visitor Parking.

Airports

Appleton International Airport
W6390 Challenger Dr., Appleton, WI 54914
(920) 832-5268

Wittman Regional Airport Oshkosh
525 W. 20th Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54902
(920) 236-4930

Austin Straubel International Airport – Green Bay
2077 Airport Dr., Green Bay, WI 54313
(920) 498-4800

Bus
Valley Transit
Route 31

Hours:
Monday-Friday, 6:15 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8:15 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Route 31 stops at door #3, the Children’s Wisconsin main entrance.

For additional bus schedule and fare information, call (920) 832-5800.

www.myvalleytransit.com

Taxi

Fox Valley Cab (Affiliated with Valley Transit Call-A-Ride)
(920) 734-4545

A Cab Neenah Menasha
(920) 809-5995

S Cab Taxi Service
(920) 707-4100

Start talking to your child a few days before the hospital visit — earlier for older kids. Help them understand what to expect and encourage them to ask questions. Listen carefully and give honest, clear answers. If you don’t know something, tell them you’ll find out together. Use simple language your child can understand and let them bring comfort items from home like a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, book or movie.

Remember, it’s normal for children to act differently before, during or after their hospital stay. Our Child Life Team is here to support your child during procedures and throughout their visit.

For more tips on how to talk to your child, just ask!

Bringing familiar items can comfort your child during their hospital stay. You may bring:

  • Special toys (without sharp edges)
  • Movies
  • Pictures, photographs or posters
  • Games and books

Also be sure to bring:

  • Your health insurance or medical card
  • A list of all medicines your child takes
  • The name and phone number of your child’s primary care doctor
  • Your child’s vaccine record

For your child’s safety, please leave these items at home:

  • Toys with sharp edges
  • Small toys with parts that can be swallowed
  • Toys that make sparks
  • Latex balloons
  • Baby walkers
  • Personal items of value
  • Live animals

Remember, you are responsible for the items you bring from home.

During Your Visit

For Your Child

Please don’t give your child any food without asking their care provider first.

Children’s Wisconsin Fox Valley Hospital offers room service from ThedaCare. Visitors can buy meal tickets in the cafeteria on the lower level (cash or credit) or when ordering food for you child.

Children and visitors can order any food from the menu by calling D-I-N-E (3463) from 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

If you pay with cash and need change, tell the dining staff. They will bring up $20 in change with the food. Credit cards can’t be used when food is delivered to rooms.

If you have questions about your child’s meals, ask the dietitian or nurse.

Special meals (like vegetarian or kosher) need a doctor’s order.

For Parents
There is a coffee shop on the first floor of ThedaCare Regional Medical Center Neenah.
It’s open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., and sells coffee, soda, sandwiches, salads and snacks.

Cafeteria
The full cafeteria is on the lower level of ThedaCare Regional Medical Center Neenah.
Hours:

  • Breakfast: 6:30-9:30 a.m.
  • Lunch: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Dinner: 4-6:30 p.m.

Vending Machines
There is a vending machine with drinks and snacks on the third floor of Children’s Wisconsin in the NICU lobby.

Vending machines are also open 24/7 on the lower level near the cafeteria.

Alarms
Medical equipment has alarms to help keep your child safe. Only hospital staff should turn off alarms or disconnect equipment. If you have questions, ask your child’s care team.

Bathroom
You can use the bathroom in your child’s room.

Electrical Items
Heated items like curling irons and hair dryers are not allowed. All outlets in patient areas are child-safe and do not need covers.

Isolation
Isolation rules help stop germs from spreading. If your child is in isolation, a sign will be posted. Ask for an info sheet if needed. You may need to wear a gown or gloves. Take them off and wash your hands before leaving the room.

Call Buttons and Emergency Cords
Your child’s room and bathroom have cords to call the nurse. Pull the cord if help is needed.

Room Assignments
Room choices are based on your child’s medical needs. We try to give private rooms, but during busy times, children may share rooms. Share rooms are only with same-gender children and never with someone who is contagious.

Room Transfers
Sometimes your child may be moved to another room. Staff will let you know if this happens and explain why.

Telephone
Each room has a phone. Local calls are free.

  • To reach a child in the Pediatric Unit: Call (920) 969-7900
  • To reach a baby’s nurse in the NICU: Call (920) 969-7990

TV and Entertainment
Each room has a TV and DVD player. A list of channels and movies is in the room. You can bring favorite DVDs from home. Video games are also available — ask your nurse for help.

AngelEye Health System

Children’s Wisconsin NICU is proud to offer the AngelEye Health System, which lets you see your baby from any device with internet access. While we encourage you to visit in person as often as possible, AngelEye helps you stay connected when you can’t be at the hospital. We hope it brings you comfort and peace of mind during your baby’s NICU stay.

Bereavement Program

The Bereavement Program helps families deal with grief and loss. Free services are available to families. Grief support groups are available in Fox Valley through the Center for Grieving Children. You can contact them at (920) 750-5839. For more information about the program, call (414) 266-2995.

Breastfeeding/Lactation Services

If you need support with breastfeeding while your child is in the hospital, talk to your child’s nurse. Children’s Wisconsin has certified lactation consultants available to help with any breastfeeding concerns. Private rooms for pumping are available, and breast pumps are provided. There are also special freezers for storing breast milk safely during your stay.

CaringBridge

CaringBridge offers a free and private way to keep family and friends updated while your child is in the hospital. Families can create a personalized website to share updates, post photos and receive encouraging messages in the online guest book. You can also set a password to keep your page confidential. Creating a site is easy and can be done from any computer with internet access. Visit the CaringBridge website to get started.

Child Life

A hospital visit can bring many new sights, sounds and feelings for your child. Child life specialists are here to help. They use play, demonstrations, distraction and age-appropriate explanations to prepare children for procedures and surgery. This support can ease anxiety and help your child understand what to expect. Ask your child’s nurse or care provider to connect you with a Child Life specialist.

Financial Counseling

If you have concerns about paying your medical bill, financial counselors are available to help. They can assist with questions about Medicaid, insurance coverage and options under the Affordable Care Act. For assistance, call (414) 266-6262.

Language Services

Children’s Wisconsin offers free interpreter services to support families who do not speak English or who have limited speech or hearing. Qualified medical interpreters are available in person, by phone or by video — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These interpreters are specially trained to assist with medical conversations and sensitive situations. Please ask your care team if you need an interpreter to help you understand your child’s care.

Mail

To send mail to a patient:
Child’s name and room number
Children’s Wisconsin Fox Valley Hospital
130 2nd St.
Neenah, WI 54956

Mail received after discharge will be returned to the sender. It cannot be forwarded or held.

Northeast Regional Center

Offers free and confidential services for children and youth under age 22 with special needs.

Spiritual Care

Chaplains are available 24/7. To request one, ask any staff member. A chapel is located on the first floor of the ThedaCare Regional Medical Center for quiet reflection.

Social Work Services

Social workers offer:

  • Emotional support for illness or new diagnoses
  • Help with insurance, financial or community resources
  • Assistance with transition to adult care
  • Support with guardianship questions
  • School-healthcare coordination

Services are free for all patients and families.

After Your Visit

Bill Pay and Financial Assistance

MyChart