Visitor Policy

We welcome friends and family members to visit patients during their stay at UNC Medical Center.

Mask Policy for UNC Health Patients and Visitors

Effective Monday, May 6, 2024, UNC Hospitals mask policy 

Patients and visitors are welcome to wear a mask if they choose, but it is not required except in specified areas. 

  • Where there is a high risk for a vulnerable patient 
  • Where isolation or other personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed because of the patient’s condition 

Look for posted signs to determine if a mask is required in specific areas. 

We will continue regular monitoring in case of an outbreak or concern for patient or provider safety. This mask policy is consistent with the updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Inpatient Visitors

  • When required, visitor must agree to a COVID-19 screening.
  • Visitors will be permitted in most inpatient areas at UNC Hospitals from the hours of 6:00 am - 9:00 pm.
  • One visitor will be permitted in most inpatient areas at UNC Hospitals from 9:00 pm - 6:00 am. After hours and overnight visitation in the inpatient areas require nursing approval and an identification badge.
  • Visitors will be asked to self-screen for symptoms of COVID.  Visitors should not visit our campuses if they have one or more of the known COVID symptoms. Visitors who are COVID positive, even if they are asymptomatic, are not allowed to visit until at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and at least 24 hours have passed since the last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath) have improved, except in extenuating circumstances.
  • UNC Hospitals may limit visitation if behavior has the potential to compromise the care and safety of any patient, or if the visitor displays disruptive behavior or refuses to follow policies.
  • No visitors under the age of 12 will be allowed to visit for the foreseeable future. Extenuating circumstances and compassionate care visits may apply.
  • In the end of life situations, hospital chaplains will coordinate with the patient's care team to ensure community clergy is able to visit for spiritual support and sacramental ministries.

Emergency Department

  • May have ONE designated support person. Visiting hours do not apply in the ED.

Pediatric Patients at UNC Medical Center

  • May have THREE designated visitors in total (parent, guardian, other), but only TWO can visit the patient at one time.
    • One parent/guardian will be allowed in the surgical patient care area during pre-operative and post-operative care.
    • COVID-19 + patients may have one asymptomatic parent remain in the room.
  • Additional exceptions will be granted for end-of-life situations, minors and patients requiring family support as outlined in our full visitor policy.
  • No visitors under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit for the foreseeable future.

Outpatient Clinics/Outpatient Departments

  • Adult outpatient and clinic areas will allow one adult companion per patient, but we continue to encourage individuals who are able to come alone to do so in order to support physical distancing efforts.
  • Children’s outpatient and clinic areas will allow two parents/guardians per patient.

Visitor Passes

A visitor pass may be required during your visit to UNC Medical Center. If you are visiting outside of normal visiting hours or if you are visiting a patient who is a minor you will need a visitor pass.

Certain units in the hospital also require a visitor pass at all times. These units include the N.C. Children’s Hospital, N.C. Women’s Hospital and psychiatric units.

Visitor passes can be obtained from the Guest Services information desks located in the N.C. Women’s, N.C. Children’s and N.C. Cancer Hospitals. With the exception of the N.C. Cancer Hospital (Closed Saturday, Sunday and holidays) these information desks are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For adult visitors, please provide a photo ID when requesting a visitor pass.

For additional questions or concerns, contact Guest Services at (984) 974-0709.

Visiting the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

Families are important members of the care team in the PICU.  We strive to ensure we not only provide expert medical care for your loved one, but keep families informed.  For your safety and security, the PICU entrances are secured at all times. Visitors should use the phone located outside of the PICU to contact staff and request access to enter.  The PICU follows UNC Children’s Visitation Guidelines and supports 2 family members/visitors at the bedside, providing we can maintain a safe environment for the patient. 

 There may be other times when visitors are asked to leave for a brief period of time in order to provide care; these circumstances will be explained should they arise.

All PICU patient rooms are private and family members are welcome to stay with the patient throughout the day and evening.  For family members wishing to spend the night with the patient, there is a specially-designed sleeper chair located in each room for your comfort and convenience. Please note that only one family member is permitted to stay overnight.

To ensure safety with our communication over the telephone, we provide family a code to use so staff are ensured they are speaking with family members.