Alert

Updates

Visiting hours have changed as a result of COVID-19. Learn more.

Keeping You Safe. Keeping You Healthy.

We know you have concerns about returning to our hospital and clinics, and we’re working hard to make sure you get the care you need as safely and effectively as possible. In addition to our routine safety procedures, we are taking extra steps to minimize risks at our hospital and clinics.

UNC Health Safety Promise seal

It is important to not delay or avoid care for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, or ongoing treatment for existing conditions, such as cancer, which can result in more serious health issues if treatment is missed. Regular wellness visits also shouldn’t be avoided. Vaccinations and screenings to detect disease in the early stages are vital for maintaining your health. As always, you should seek emergency treatment right away for any health emergency, such as potential stroke or heart attack. Early treatment is critical for the best possible recovery.

COVID-19 concerns call for additional safety and screening measures on top of what we’ve always done. At your next appointment you can expect to see some changes designed to make it as safe as possible to get needed care during this pandemic.

How We’re Keeping You Safe

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We are limiting contact and encouraging physical distancing. We are also reducing the number of people in a space at one time by staggering appointments and limiting the number of visitors and companions. When possible, we are providing a way for patients to sign consent forms and fill out paperwork online, reducing the amount of time spent at check-in.


Robust Cleaning

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We have always followed proven safety practices, including cleaning rooms between patients. In addition, we have implemented enhanced cleaning between patients and more frequent deep cleaning of all other areas, including hand rails, door handles and elevator buttons.

Infection Control

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We are screening patients and visitors in our facilities by asking specific questions about symptoms and taking temperatures, when appropriate. We also have a universal mask policy in place, requiring masks for all staff, patients and visitors. Extra hand sanitizer and handwashing procedures are in place for our healthcare team and patients.

Visitor Restrictions

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All visitors must pass a screening process prior to entry and be able to maintain a face mask at all times while in the hospital.  Effective July 1, 2020 one screened visitor is allowed in most inpatient areas. Outpatients having surgery or a procedure may have one visitor.  Outpatients requiring assistance navigating their appointment may also have a screened companion.  Patients under COVID-19 investigation or COVID positive may not have any visitors unless approved for visitation due to end of life care. We understand visitor restrictions can be frustrating, especially when dealing with difficult health concerns, but it is important to minimize exposure to our patients and care team during this pandemic. 

Virtual Care Options

We have expanded our virtual care options so patients can get care without ever leaving home. Learn more about the types of virtual care options we offer and how to schedule an appointment.

What to Know about Surgery

For patients who have surgery scheduled, additional safety measures are in place, including COVID-19 screening before their surgery. We have more frequent cleanings for patient rooms and common areas. Patients with COVID-19 symptoms are isolated in separate areas away from all other patients. While strict limits are in place for visitors, our surgery patients are allowed a brief visit in the recovery area after their procedure.

Jill Howell after the birth of her son at Wayne UNC, Goldsboro, NC

Blog: Giving Birth during COVID-19 - One Mother's Experience

The COVID-19 Pandemic has reshaped the birthing experience for many new parents, with many changes in place to keep patients, teammates and the community safe and healthy while reducing the spread of the virus. For Jill Howell, the key to weathering these changes was patience and a focus on staying well informed.

Read more to learn more about Jill's experience.

Blog: Surgery during a Pandemic - What You Need to Know

If you have a surgical procedure in your future, you may be wondering whether now is even the time for elective surgery. We asked Wayne UNC Director of Perianesthesia, Catherine Hedrick, RN, BSN to weigh in on the types of procedures our Surgical Team is currently performing and steps we are taking to provide the best care to all patients throughout the pandemic.

Read the Directors Q and A

Connect to Virtual Care with UNC Urgent Care 24/7

Connect to a board certified doctor anytime, anywhere for $49 or less, depending on insurance.  Use one of these convenient online or telephone options:

What To Do If You Have COVID-19 Symptoms?

If you are concerned you have been exposed or have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), click the purple Coronavirus Help tab on the bottom of unchealthcare.org

This will bring up our coronavirus symptom checker that will lead you through some questions to determine if you need medical follow-up. You can also call your primary care provider.

Do not go to your doctor’s office or an urgent care without first determining if further medical screening is necessary.

If you are having difficulty breathing, call 911 or seek immediate treatment.

Recent COVID-19 Blogs

  • Daughter laying on the couch with her mother touching the side of her head.

    Does Your Child Have Allergies, RSV or COVID-19?
    As children get back together, it’s very easy for them to start transmitting all kinds of infections and viruses to each other that they hadn’t been sharing over the summer. We have four ways to help you tell the difference between allergies, RSV and other infections such as a cold, the flu or COVID-19:
    October 8, 2021

  • COVID-19 Affects Men Differently – Here’s Why
    June is Men’s Health Month, and as we wrap up the month, we couldn’t help but wonder about the ways that COVD-19 has affected men specifically. So we spoke to Dr. Thaddeus West, primary care physician at UNC Internal Medicine at Goldsboro, to gain a better understanding.
    June 29, 2021
  • Testing for Covid-19

    COVID-19 Testing: What You Need to Know
    If you’ve experienced symptoms of what could be coronavirus infection, knowing if you’re infected can help protect not only your health, but the health of those around you.
    October 28, 2020
  • Testing for Covid-19 at Wayne UNC

    Should You Get Tested for COVID-19?
    You hear it all the time. COVID-19 testing is critical for reducing the spread of COVID-19. But, when should you seek testing?
    October 28, 2020

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