Temporarily, no visitors aged 11 and under are permitted. This year's dominant flu virus is a mutated flu A virus that appears to make children and teens sicker than the typical flu. We are restricting visitors aged 11 and under because young children often can carry and transmit viral infections with no symptoms, especially early in the infection. As always, visitors should not come to the hospital if they have respiratory viral symptoms or nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Effective 1/1/26, all UNC Health Appalachian (UNCHA) teammates (including providers and staff) will be required to wear masks when they are around other people indoors.
Patients and visitors will also be encouraged but not required to wear a mask when they are around other people (e.g., in the hallway, in the waiting room, in the exam room being seen). This applies to all UNCHA hospitals, outpatient facilities, and offices.

Safety & Security

Contact Hospital Police or Report a Crime

The UNC Health Appalachian Police Department is committed to the safety and security of the patients, visitors, staff, and the public that utilize our facilities.

Call Hospital Police at 262-4168

Report a Crime

Your ID Bracelet

As a patient, you will receive a special identification (ID) bracelet that states your name and hospital number, your physician’s name and other important information. Your ID bracelet will be checked often during your stay. Please wear it at all times to prevent delays with important lab tests, X-rays and various other tests and treatments.

If your ID bracelet is damaged or lost, please let your nurse know immediately.

Patient Safety Team

We encourage you and your family to become part of our patient safety team. For our patient safety program to be successful, we need you to be fully informed and actively involved in your care.

We are asking your assistance in the following areas:

  • We need you to provide accurate and complete information about your condition.
  • We want you to clearly understand your diagnosis and treatment plan so that you know what to expect.
  • We need you to keep us informed of any changes in your condition.
  • We need you to ask questions if you have any concerns about your care.

While you are a patient you can expect that we will:

  • Check your ID bracelet before giving you medications or doing a procedure.
  • Wash our hands frequently to help prevent infections.
  • Explain things clearly and completely.
  • Ask if you are having pain and help manage your pain if present.

Download our 4 Steps to Fall Prevention Flyer

If at any time you have concerns about your care, please let your nurse or your doctor know.

If you have suggestions for improvements or concerns that you do not feel have been addressed, please call the risk management department at (828) 262-4239.