Visitor guidelines

Visitor restriction

In our Milwaukee hospital, visitor lists are limited to two adult parents/caregivers only. These two names must remain the same for the entire stay. These two individuals are allowed to be at the bedside (for overnight and extended stays only) at the same time. Allowing them both to be here at the same time promotes the family-centered care we are committed to. It also provides extra support at the bedside, especially for long hospital stays. We are still able to keep low numbers of visitors with this policy, which helps reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Exceptions will be made for some situations that could include end-of-life and caregiver teaching sessions. All other exceptions must be approved by unit leadership during weekdays and the patient care manager in-house on evenings and weekends.

In our emergency department: Two adult visitors can be with any child that is brought to our emergency department.

Surgical services at the Milwaukee campus and at our Surgicenter: Any patient having surgery at the Milwaukee hospital or Surgicenter will be allowed to have two adult visitors (and no siblings) with them.

In all of our urgent, primary, and specialty care clinics, and in our imaging department: Only one caregiver (and no siblings) will be allowed to come to an appointment with a child. This will help reduce the number of people coming in. If siblings have back-to-back appointments, contact the clinic to ask if an exception to the rule can be made.

General guidelines

All visitors must stop at a Welcome Center each day. For the safety of our patients, people with coughs, colds or illness should not visit. We reserve the right to change visitor restrictions and screening.

To protect the privacy, confidentiality and health of our patients, we limit the number and types of visitors. We do not allow groups to distribute gifts or visit directly with patients. All visits must be arranged ahead of time with Child Life at (414) 266-3495.

Any special guests who don’t get approval before coming to the hospital will be given information about how to schedule a future visit and asked to leave.

Identification badge

• Identification badges must be worn at all times in the hospital.
• A new badge is needed every day.
• There are badges at any Welcome Center or nurses' station.
• Turn in badges at a Welcome Center when you leave.

Hours

Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Parents, grandparents or legal guardians may visit anytime. Refer to visitor restriction for information about COVID restrictions.

All other visitors will be asked to leave at 8 p.m.

Cellphone, computers & tablets

Cellphone/computer usage

Cell phones, computers and tablets are allowed in the hospital.

Free Wi-Fi

Connect to the Children's public network and type chw.org. Accept the login agreement.

Cameras/picture taking

Taking pictures of anyone other than your child is not allowed. Please respect the privacy of others.

Phone charging

There are phone charging stations in every unit. Ask your child's nurse. There are more in the hospital lobby, Clinics Building lobby, Clinics Building second floor and the Daniel M. Soref Family Resource Center.

Gifts

Patients welcome gifts are acceptable. There are some restrictions due to allergies.

• Balloons - Latex (rubber) balloons are not allowed. Only Mylar (metallic) balloons are allowed.
• Plants – some units do not accept live plants.

If you are unsure if a gift is allowed, please ask your child’s nurse.
You may purchase a gift from our Gift Shop. All items from our Gift Shop are acceptable.

Hand Washing

• After contact with blood, body fluids, bandages or diapers.
• Before eating and after feeding your child.
• After using the bathroom.

Use the waterless sanitizer if hands are not visibly dirty. For safety purposes, rub the hand sanitizer into your hands and avoid touching others, equipment or bedding until thoroughly dry. If you have used the hand sanitizer more than 5 times, wash your hands with soap and running water.

Illness

If any visitor has been exposed to chickenpox or measles within the past 21 days, and never had it before, they may not visit. All visiting children must be up to date on their vaccines.

Smoking policy

This includes all property owned, leased or operated by the hospital. This includes buildings, grounds, streets, sidewalks, parking lots and structures.

Weapons

Weapons or firearms are not allowed on our properties.