Visitor Guide

Can I visit someone in the Hospital?

Patients at Gundersen decide who may visit them. If a friend or loved one asks you to come see them, you must stop at the Information Desk in the Hospital to get a visitor's badge. You'll need to wear your badge for the duration of your visit. For visits after hours, use the Emergency Services entrance. Please note there may be times when visiting is limited due to the condition of the patient or other events, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What should I bring with me to the Hospital?

You are responsible for your personal belongings that are brought onto any of our Gundersen Health System campuses. We strongly recommend you bring only Gundersen-defined essential items during inpatient visits. Gundersen defines essential items as things you reasonably use or require to be safe while receiving hospital care, such as: glasses, contacts, hearing aides, dentures, canes, walkers, crutches, prosthesis, C-Paps or Bi-Paps, special wheelchairs, scooters, shoes, breast pumps, car seats and oxygen tanks.

Nonessential items, such as cash, credit cards, jewelry, cellphones, electronics and any items of significant personal value should be left at home or given to family or friends for safekeeping during your visit. Gundersen is not responsible for the safety or replacement of nonessential items you choose to bring during your stay or visit.

Gundersen will make all reasonable attempts to find any lost or misplaced essential items and return them to their owners.

Where can I smoke at Gundersen?

Smoking and the use of tobacco products is not allowed on any Gundersen Health System property. For the health of our patients, employees and visitors, we are tobacco-free inside and out. Private vehicles are an exception at this time, although smoking is prohibited in our parking ramps.

Please also respect the property of Gundersen and our neighbors' property by appropriately disposing of any litter in appropriate receptacles.

If you are interested in quitting tobacco, we support you in your efforts. Contact your healthcare provider for further resources on tobacco cessation or contact the national tobacco quit line at 1-800-QUIT NOW.

For more information on our tobacco-free campus policy, please contact Patient Experience at (608) 775-7676 or (800) 362-9567, ext. 57676.

What is your concealed weapons policy?

We do not allow concealed weapons at Gundersen Health System. While a state law in Wisconsin allows residents who have a permit to carry concealed weapons, it is Gundersen's policy that weapons of any kind are not permitted in any Gundersen buildings or vehicles.

Signs advising patients, visitors and staff of our policy have been posted at entrances of our buildings across the healthcare system. By law, this allows Gundersen to prevent anyone from bringing a weapon (guns, Tasers, billy clubs, knives, brass knuckles, etc.) into a Gundersen building.

If weapons are seen or suspected, the person will be advised of Gundersen's policy and be required to properly secure the weapon in their personal vehicle.

Does Gundersen offer Wi-Fi access?

We have free highspeed wireless internet access at the following locations:

• La Crosse Campus
• Onalaska Clinic
• Boscobel
• Whitehall
• Hillsboro

Are you a latex-free campus?

Gundersen is latex-aware and provides a safe environment minimizing the risk of latex exposure for patients, families, visitors and employees. It is important to note that while we limit latex items in the organization, we are not entirely latex-free.

As part of our efforts, no latex balloons are allowed in any Gundersen facility or Gundersen-sponsored events.