Special group or entertainment visits

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 and provides additional support at the bedside, particularly for long hospital stays. We are still able to maintain 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 and educational 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 accompany 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 two have two adult visitors (and no siblings) accompany 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 accompany a child to an appointment. This will help us reduce the number of people coming into our facilities. If siblings have back-to-back appointments, you can contact the clinic to ask if an exception to the rule can be made. 

Due to the restrictions we are unable to schedule any outside entertainment during this time.

Our goal is to provide the best experience for kids in the hospital. We strive to balance our patients' needs (including their medical conditions, safety and privacy and interest levels) with the amount and types of visits planned.

Visiting performers are screened by the Kohl's Child Life Program. The best activities for our patients are:

• Highly entertaining, educational and/or therapeutic
• Unique
• Appropriate for many ages
• Physically and emotionally safe
• Appropriate for the medical conditions of the children
• Religiously and politically neutral

Please note: For infection control and privacy purposes, we are unable to welcome groups of visitors into the hospital. We are happy to accept and distribute your donations on behalf of our patients.

Please read the guidelines (PDF) before sending an application. We will contact you within two business days of getting your application. Thank you for your interest in entertaining kids and families at Children's Wisconsin.