When patients require a higher level of care, time and safety are critical. UNC Health Appalachian is strengthening its services with the introduction of Specialty Care Transport (SCT)—a high-level, interfacility ground ambulance service designed for critically ill or injured patients.

SCT allows patients to be safely transported between hospitals while continuing to receive intensive, specialized care. Staffed by highly trained professionals and equipped with advanced medical technology, the ambulance functions as a mobile extension of the hospital, delivering ICU-level care throughout the journey.

In the past, transferring patients could mean long wait times—sometimes several hours—and often required costly air transport. Now, with SCT, patients can be moved more quickly and affordably.

“Before, we were waiting up to several hours, often necessitating air transport at a huge cost to the patient,” said Greg Miller, Chief Nursing Officer at UNC Health Appalachian. “We can now transport our patients more expeditiously and more cost-effectively.”

The specialty ambulance also enhances community resources by reducing the need to rely on local emergency services for interfacility transfers, allowing Watauga County EMS to remain available for emergency response.

“At UNC Health Appalachian, every decision we make is grounded in what is best for our patients and our community,” said Nathan Nipper, CEO of UNC Health Appalachian. “Specialty Care Transport allows us to move critically ill patients more quickly, safely, and cost-effectively, while also preserving vital emergency resources for our region.”

Serving primarily Watauga Medical Center and the Avery County market, the SCT program also supports surrounding communities as needed—bringing advanced care closer to home when it matters most.