MORGANTON, N.C. (September 29, 2025) – As part of our ongoing commitment to patient safety and community well-being, UNC Health Blue Ridge will implement new access protocols across its hospital campuses beginning Monday, September 29, 2025. This initiative will limit public entry to a select number of monitored access points, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for everyone who enters the facility.
The decision to streamline access was made in collaboration with hospital leadership, security teams, and clinical staff, with the goal of enhancing safety, improving traffic flow, and supporting infection control efforts.
“The safety of our patients, visitors, and staff is our highest priority,” said Gary Paxson, President and CEO of UNC Health Blue Ridge. “By limiting access points, we can better monitor who is entering our facilities, respond more quickly to emergencies, and maintain a secure healing environment for our community.”
Beginning September 29, the following entrances will remain open to the public:
- Main Entrance – Morganton and Valdese Campuses
- Emergency Department Entrance – Morganton and Valdese Campuses
- Outpatient Surgery Entrance – Morganton and Valdese Campuses
- Cancer Center Entrance – Valdese Campus
- Medical Office Building Upper-Level Entrance(s) – Morganton Campus
All open entrances will be monitored by 24-hour video surveillance, security personnel, or may include screening or check-in procedures. Please be aware, all other entrances will be closed to public access.
Clear signage will be posted throughout the hospital campus to guide patients and visitors to the appropriate entry points. Staff will be available to assist with directions and answer questions during the transition.
This change reflects UNC Health Blue Ridge’s unwavering commitment to the safety, health, and well-being of the community it serves. By limiting access points, the hospital is taking proactive steps to protect vulnerable patients from unnecessary exposure and potential security risks. It also strengthens infection prevention and control efforts by managing foot traffic more effectively and reducing congestion in high-traffic areas.
These measures are designed to ensure that every individual who enters the facility—whether seeking care, visiting a loved one, or supporting a patient—can do so in a safe, organized, and welcoming environment. Additionally, by streamlining entry, the hospital enhances its ability to respond quickly and efficiently in emergency situations, further reinforcing its dedication to preparedness and public safety.
UNC Health Blue Ridge appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation as these changes are implemented. The hospital remains dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care in a secure setting where patients and families can feel confident and supported.
For more information, please visit uncbr.org/access.
UNC Health Blue Ridge (www.unchealthblueridge.org) is a not-for-profit community healthcare system, providing advanced healthcare and wellness services from more than 50 locations across a three-county region of Western North Carolina. We are the only Level III Trauma Center in the region, offering advanced trauma services close to home. The system includes one hospital with two locations and a continuing care retirement community. Nearly 150 primary care physicians, physician specialists, and extenders in the Blue Ridge Medical Group combine with other physicians on the Medical Staff to serve patients in the region. UNC Health Blue Ridge provides graduate medical education programs for medical school graduates and students in allopathic and osteopathic medicine. UNCBR is affiliated with UNC Health System (www.unchealthcare.org), a not-for-profit integrated healthcare system owned by the state of North Carolina and based in Chapel Hill.
