This page is a resource for employee information about COVID-19 and the steps ARHS is taking. Please direct patients and members of the public to our public facing website at apprhs.org/covid19
November 22 Employee Update
Visitor Restrictions, Mary Street Parking Lot, Employee Illness Protocol
Communications & Media
To ensure that media inquiries are met with the most complete and accurate information possible, we ask that you direct all media emails, phone calls, and conversations to Rob Hudspeth at rhudspeth@apprhs.org or (828) 268-9052.
As healthcare professionals, we should share information only from reliable public health organizations. Before you share content or comments, check the following sources: ARHS, AppHealthCare, NCDHHS, CDC
Visitor Restrictions
Each patient at Watauga Medical Center (WMC) and Cannon Memorial Hospital (CMH) will be able to designate one visitor/advocate to accompany them during their hospital stay between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The designated visitor must be the same person for the duration of the patient’s hospital stay, and another visitor cannot be substituted if the designated visitor is unable to come on any given day.
FREE RelyMD Virtual Visits for Employees
RelyMD connects you with a provider anytime, anywhere – now available at no cost for ALL ARHS employees (even those not on the ARHS health plan), as well as any dependent enrolled in the ARHS Health Plan.
- Download the RelyMD app
- Create your account within the app
- Enter Employer Code ARHS on the payment page
HIPAA Compliance Requirement
We want to remind all employees of ARHS’s policy regarding accessing patient records. With the COVID 19 risk, we know that in our small community you may have friends or family impacted by the virus and you may be concerned about their health and safety.
While we appreciate the caring attitude of our staff, you should only be accessing patient information to the degree that you need that information to provide care or to perform your job.
We do randomly run access logs to see who is accessing patient records. If we cannot identify a reason a specific person accessed the record, then HR and leadership will be investigating. Disciplinary measures can occur if the record should not have been accessed.
Thank you for taking such great care of our patients and for protecting their privacy as well.
Heroes Health Initiative – supporting YOU as you care for others
You are doing so much for others, Heroes Health is to support you. ARHS employees can now join Heroes Health, an app-based intervention and research study for healthcare workers. The UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health have launched the Heroes Health...
Second COVID Unit Opened – Do Not Enter
Watauga Medical Center has experienced a sustained increase in COVID inpatients during the last week. Leading indicators of COVID positive cases in our community tell us we should expect to see more positive patients requiring hospitalization in the coming weeks. To...
Touchless Temperature Check Stations
ARHS began using a WelloStation temperature check system at the WMC basement entrance on August 6th. The WelloStation self-serve, touchless clinical thermometer utilizes an infrared thermometer and provides verbal prompts to guide staff. The station cannot read...
Hope4Healers Resource for Health Care Staff
Do you or your family members need FREE emotional support from being on the COVID-19 front lines? NC licensed therapists are ready to listen!
ARHS continues ‘COVID-19 Days Off’ supplemental pay for employees who qualify
In the ARHS System Update email on April 30th, Chuck Mantooth announced that ARHS will continue the COVID Days Off (CDO) program until at least May 16, 2020.
ARHS face mask requirements
Effective Tuesday, April 28th, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) will begin requiring anyone entering an ARHS facility to wear a face mask, including EMPLOYEES, PATIENTS and VENDORS. Additionally, in those rare instances where VISITORS are allowed inside an ARHS facility, they too will be required to wear a face mask.
Employee Assistance Program: COVID-19 Resources
In an effort to support Staff during this uncertain time, EAP has listed a wide range of resources that employees may find helpful. Please know that we continue to be available for appointments via WebEx, telephone and email communication.
RelyMD FREE virtual visits
The RelyMD medical team has carefully created specific COVID-19 protocols to help our patients seek remote care when experiencing flu-like symptoms, have concern over potential exposure with an infected person, or simply want to avoid healthcare facilities for non-related medical conditions.
