Patients and Visitors

Visitation Guidelines - Hospital 

CURRENT COVID-19 MASKING POLICY: UNC Health Blue Ridge encourages all patients and visitors to wear a mask for your personal safety and health of your friends and family while in any of our facilities.

UNC Health Blue Ridge (UNCBR) recognizes that visitation plays an important role in the care and experience of our patients. Visitation is permitted, and encouraged, in inpatient and outpatient settings. Patients have the right to receive visitors whom they designate including, a family member, a spouse, a domestic partner or any other type of visitor, without restriction on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or disability. Patients also have the right to withdraw visitation at any time. 

UNCBR will inform patients of their rights related to visitation and of any clinically necessary or reasonable restrictions or limitations on visitation. 

Responsibility: 

All UNCBR Leaders and Teammates 

Policy: 

To provide visitor requirements, to promote a partnership between patients, physicians, staff and visitors, to promote a safe environment for the visitation process, to minimize the risk of transmission of infectious disease, and to promote the communication of the policy to the internal and external customer. 

Process: 

General House-Wide Guidelines 

Number of Visitors: When a need exists for the number of visitors to be limited, the number will be determined by the patient, physician, and the assigned nurse. To allow for a healing environment for all patients, the number of visitors per patient is typically two at one time. 

Children: General visitation is limited to children age twelve (12) and over. Any children age twelve (12) and under must be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult. The number of children present at any given time in a patient's room will be determined by the patient, physician, and nurse providing care for the patient. Children may not be left unattended in the main lobby, lounges or waiting areas of the hospital. Special instructions from the physician or nurse (e.g., no visitors, immediate family only, etc.) should be followed. 

Animals: Service animals are permitted in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Service Animal policy. Pre-authorized pet therapy dogs and their handlers are permitted inside the hospital following the guidelines of the Animal Assisted Activities policy. 

Infection Control: All visitors must comply with the hospital infection control policies. Staff will instruct Visitors on the following as needed: 

• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as needed. 
• Universal masking when that requirement is in effect. 
• The risk of contracting the disease when isolation precautions are in use. 
• Washing hands before and after patient contact. 
• Staff should document efforts to provide education to visitors in the patients EMR. 

Visitor/Employee Identification: A visitor identification process will be used. All other individuals, including employees, physicians, students, clergy, vendors, consultants, etc. should wear proper facility issued identification. 

Communication: The Visitation Guidelines Policy will be included in the departmental orientation for new employees. 

Food and Drink: Any food and drink items brought into to patients must be in a factory sealed wrapper. Packages will be inspected by staff before given to patients. 

Enforcement: Enforcement of this policy will be the responsibility of all hospital employees, with emphasis being placed on the partnership between patients, physician, nurse, staff, and visitors. Enforcement challenges should be escalated to Security and through the chain of command when necessary. 

Clergy/Religious Leaders: Members of the clergy may visit members of their congregation/faith group; others should be visited upon specific request by the patient, family or Chaplaincy Services. Clergy may visit during non-visiting hours only as necessary. All clergy or lay church representatives will be reminded of patients' right to confidentiality. Patient records are not open to clergy. Any information you receive from any source should be treated in a confidential and professional manner and not disclosed without specific patient permission. 

The Hospital's Right to Suspend Visitation 

• *** In matters that threaten patient and or public safety, the facility reserves the right to suspend and replace this policy (and all tagged or related policies) with an event-specific policy. When emergency codes are activated,(i.e. declared states of pan or epidemic, hospital wide emergency response codes, community disaster events etc.), visitors will be given clear direction to safely exit the facility. *** 

General Guidelines for Visitors: 

• Smoking/Use of Tobacco Products: Smoking, use of other tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vaping products is prohibited at UNCBR and its off-campus sites. 
• Proper Attire: Visitors will not be allowed into the hospital without proper clothing including shoes and shirt. 
• Disruptive Behavior: Disruptive behavior and violence is not tolerated at UNCBR. Visitors exhibiting loud or disruptive or violent behaviors will be asked to leave. Should this occur, Security is to be notified. 
• Loitering: No loitering will be allowed on hospital property. 
• Weapon Control: The carrying of concealed weapons is not permitted on UNCBR controlled grounds, even if the individual has a valid concealed-carry permit. The following items are not permitted on UNCBR property: any type of firearm, switchblade knives and/or knives of any type or size, dangerous chemicals, explosives, and other objects carried for the apparent purpose of injury or intimidation. 
• Visitors are to use designated entrances. 
• Visitors are not to come to the hospital if they are sick so as not to pose an infection risk to patients, visitors, and healthcare workers. 
• In cases of emergencies, major trauma, including disasters, or other codes, ALL visitation is at the discretion of the physician or nurse. Visitors may be asked to leave the room or hospital. 
• Visitors may be asked to leave the patient room during exams or as required for patient care. 
• Visitors should limit their visitation to the patient's room, cafeteria or other public waiting areas (unless restrictions are in place). 
• Where possible, visitors will be encouraged to use traffic routes which minimize contact with patients. 

Visitation Restrictions: 

An individual patients' visitation may be restricted after collaboration with the patient, caregiver, provider and nursing. Circumstances leading to restrictions include, but are not limited to: 

• Times of high levels of community illness, such as influenza, COVID or SARS pandemics or epidemics 
• Visitation may interfere with other patient care (i.e., semi-private locations of care) 
• Legal circumstances including court orders or involvement of protective/social services restricting contact 
• Disruptive, threatening or violent behaviors 
• When visitation may negatively the patient's recovery – determined through consultation between provider, clinical care team and patient 

The scope of the restriction should be clearly defined, documented and communicated. Restrictions include but not limited to: 

• Limiting hours 
• Limiting number of visitors 
• Limiting the age of visitors 
• Limiting or restricting specific individuals Patient Support Person: Patients are permitted to have a support person, who may be a family member, friend or other individual, during the course of their stay. This individual may exercise the patient's visitation rights with respond to other visitors when the patient is unable to do so. The support person may or may not be the person who is legally responsible for making medical decisions on the patient's behalf. The patient may revoke visitation rights to this person at any time. Should a patient be incapacitated and an individual claims to be the person's support person, the hospital is to honor that role. Additionally, any disputes related to identification of the support person (i.e., two individuals claiming that role) will be facilitated through unit leadership in conjunction with Patient Experience and Risk Management, as appropriate. Overnight Visitation: Requests for overnight visitation will be coordinated with the care team and accommodated unless contraindicated or a safety concern is identified and documented 
• Department-Specific Visitation Guidelines and Hours: 
• Inpatient Acute Care: Visitation hours are open (unless restricted for reasons outlined above). 
• Emergency Department: Visitation in the ED is permitted 24/7 and limited to two visitors at a time. Restrictions to this may be warranted due to ED volume, infectious disease surges, etc. 
• Reference Area Specific policies for Family Health Center, Behavior Health, Intensive Care 
• Unit Specific Guidelines, Service Animal Policy, Animal Assisted Activities Policy 

Volunteering at UNC Health Blue Ridge

Sometimes a smile, a kind word, or just knowing someone cares can make a patient’s day and possibly aid in healing. At UNC Health Blue Ridge, we are committed to enhancing healthcare from a patient’s perspective. Volunteers can help by delivering kindness, compassion, and empathy. By sharing your time and skills, meeting new friends and giving back to your community, your own life will be enhanced through volunteering. Learn more about volunteering.

Spiritual Care

We strive to meet patients where they are, aid in the process of healing through human conversation, offer guidance and a calming presence, and assure people that they are not alone in their journey.

The Spiritual Care staff is available to support your or your family’s emotional and spiritual needs:

• When a loved one is seriously ill or facing crisis
• When you or other family members are facing or recovering from surgery
• When you are discouraged or feel life has lost its meaning
• When you are suffering a loss or experiencing a major adjustment

UNC Health Blue Ridge chaplains visit people of all faiths. To get a chaplain to visit you, ask your nurse or call 828-580-5143. Your clergy may visit with you at any time. The interfaith chapel is on the lobby floor at UNC Blue Ridge – Morganton and is open 24 hours a day.

Ethics Committee

• Policy review
• Case consultation and educational programming  

1. An issue may be submitted for Ethics Committee review by a patient, family member, hospital staff member or physician.
2. A verbal or written request can be submitted to the Hospital Chaplain, or the Medical Staff Office

Making Tough Decisions

UNC Health Blue Ridge encourages you (if you are 18 or older) to have an “advance directive” for your healthcare. This means you tell us what to do and what not to do – a set of directions you give about the health care you want if you ever lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. We will ask you if you have an advance directive when you participate in services offered by UNC Blue Ridge. If so, we will make a copy for your medical record. Learn more about advance directives.

Hospitalist Program

At UNC Health Blue Ridge, your hospital treatment may be coordinated by a hospitalist, a physician who works primarily in hospital settings. Hospitalists generally visit you once a day or more as necessary during your hospital stay. You may not see the same physician on the weekend as during the week. Hospitalists can evaluate, treat or consult. Hospitalists work with your primary physician to update your information. Hospitalists do not treat you after you are discharged from the hospital. If you do not have a primary care physician, we can make a referral.

Meals at the Hospitals

Patients are served breakfast between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and dinner between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Guest trays are available for a fee. If you desire menu choices that are not offered on the selective menu, we would be happy to offer you our "Or You May Prefer" menu which contains a variety of traditional favorites available every day. Please ask a member of the Food and Nutrition service team for a copy of this menu.

The Atrium Cafe is on the lower level (LL) on the Morganton campus. It offers organic meals, prepackaged meals, fresh salads and sandwiches. The café is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Dietitians at UNC Health Blue Ridge are active members of your health care team. They are available to answer questions, provide personalized diet consultation and/or arrange for an outpatient appointment after discharge.

Security / Lost & Found

Our Security Department is staffed 24 hours a day to assist you and your family or other visitors with parking, directions and security. To obtain a security escort or to claim or place a lost or found item, call the operator to direct your call.

Language/Translation Services

We have translation services for many foreign languages. We can provide sign language interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Please tell your nurse if you need any of these free services.