Your Health and Safety Are What We Care About

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

Johnston 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

We are limiting contact and encouraging physical distancing at clinics, starting with modifying the setup of waiting rooms. We are also reducing the number of people in our facilities 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. In addition, some clinics are allowing patients to wait in their cars after checking in to reduce the amount of time and exposure to other people.

Robust cleaning

We have always followed proven safety practices, including cleaning exam rooms between patients. In addition, we have implemented enhanced cleaning between patients and more frequent deep cleaning of all areas of our facilities.

Infection control

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 both staff and patients.

Visitor Restrictions

UNC Health Johnston remains committed to patient-centered, safe care throughout all of our hospitals. As the COVID-19 situation has evolved, our policy is also evolving. Learn more about our Visitor Restrictions.

What to Know about Surgery

Extra steps are in place for patients who have surgery scheduled, including additional COVID-19 screening before their surgery. Our hospitals have more frequent cleanings for patient rooms as well as common areas, and patients with COVID-19 symptoms are isolated in separate areas away from all other patients. While strict limits are in place for visitors, surgery patients are allowed a brief visit in the recovery area after their procedure. Read more about exceptions to our Visitor Restrictions.

Safety Recognized by The Leapfrog Group

Johnston Health is one of many of UNC-affiliated hospitals to earn a top Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, which is an important criteria for comparing hospitals nationwide. Hospital Safety Grades are based on 28 national performance measures, including infection rates, staffing practices, and the use of technology for avoiding medication errors.

The grades represent the hospital’s “overall performance in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors.”