Important COVID-19 Information

Madonna prides itself on being known for our commitment to family-centered care. We understand the importance of a loved one’s involvement in the rehabilitation process, but unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we have had to alter what that involvement looks like. The changes we have made to our visitation policy in response to COVID-19 are in the best interest of the health and safety of our patients and employees. These changes are in alignment with federal CDC guidelines, CMS licensing guidance, state and local public health guidance through DHHS and other local agencies.

Effective April 26, 2022, the following patient visitation policy will take effect for both our Lincoln and Omaha campuses:

• There will be no limit to the number of visitors allowed to visit adult and pediatric patients on-site at one time.

• Children under the age of 2 are allowed to visit without prior authorization from the case manager.

• Visiting hours will be expanded to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both campuses seven days a week.

• Visitors will no longer be required to check-in at a screening kiosk for a temperature check to gain entry. COVID-19 infection prevention guidelines are posted at all entrances. Anyone entering the building is asked to self-monitor for symptoms of illness and must comply with the listed requirements:
  • Avoid entry if experiencing COVID-19-related signs or symptoms, regardless of vaccination status. 
  • Wear a procedure mask over the nose and mouth at all times, including in patient rooms.
  • Sanitize hands often.
  • Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet.
  • Proper donning/doffing of masks when eating or drinking.
• Visitors will directly report to the specific patient care unit housing the designated patient. Visitors should not loiter in other areas of the hospital. At the conclusion of visitation, the visitor should promptly leave the facility.
  • Individuals involved in hands-on training to prepare for patient discharge, may in certain limited circumstances accompany the patient and a staff member to a specified training location.
  • Training may occur outside the room if the visitor is actively involved in a hands-on training session and the skills being trained cannot be accomplished in the room.
  • Visitors must return to the room immediately upon completion of the hands-on training session and may not accompany the patient to therapies merely to observe.

To facilitate patient/family communication during therapy sessions, we are offering Zoom calls with our staff . These sessions may also be offered as an opportunity for caregiver education and training when appropriate. If you are interested in participating in these sessions with your loved one, please let your social worker or case manager know. They will also need the following information:  

• Your preferences or availability of when to schedule Zoom calls. (Calls may be completed during daily business hours 7 .am. to 4 p.m.)
• Your preferred email address to send the Zoom link that will allow access to the meeting.  

Zoom is a free application that allows audio/video calls through the Internet or a mobile device. If you are not familiar with ZOOM, download the instructions below. 

For patients at our Lincoln Campus, we are scheduling appointments for staff to assist patients and their loved ones to digitally connect. Staff will be on-site, helping patients who need communication assistance to connect via FaceTime, Zoom or traditional phone calls.

These appointments will be available Monday through Friday, as well as Sunday afternoons.

We hope you will find this is a great opportunity to visit and discuss day-to-day happenings as a family. A reminder, staff helping with the coordination of calls is available for technical support only and will not be able to answer questions related to patient care.

Please contact your loved one’s case manager or social worker to get additional details on setting up a virtual visitation appointment. 

Madonna utilizes a software program to keep families and other loved ones updated on the care of patients in our hospital. This family portal will provide you access to quick, secure and real time patient updates obtained during frequent rounding by our nursing staff. You can share access to this information with whomever you wish.

To access the friends and family portal

• Visit familyportal.madonna.org
• Type in the room code

At this time, you are still welcome to send flowers, greeting cards and other mail to a Madonna patient, though this policy may change. 

Our team will make sure any permitted deliveries are handled appropriately and disinfected if necessary. Personal items should be delivered to the main entrance. Please include the patient name and room number on the delivery.